The Tradition Of Eid Al-Fitr That Will Be Missed Because Of The Pandemic

Takbiran (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic has hit a number of regions in Indonesia. Cases of contagion continue to grow. For prevention, the government issued rules that restrict the movement of people. This condition indirectly makes Eid celebrations different from previous years.

Now entering the second year of Eid celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inevitably, people delay the Eid tradition by spending time at home.

It is not easy to forget the tradition of Eid which has been carried out for many years.  The existence of pandemic finally makes people miss the return of the moment together during Lebaran. Here's the Eid tradition that will be missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Takbir around

Takbir is usually performed on the last day of Ramadan, welcoming the victory day of Eid al-Fitr. A group of people will travel throughout the area to proclaim takbir.

The tradition of roving takbir must also be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments in a number of regions issued bans on roving takbir.

According to the news, muhammadiyah central leadership asked Muslims to suggest that the tour takbir be replaced with activities in their homes because the case of COVID-19 has not been hit.

Hunting for new clothes on the market

One of the traditions that is always done during Lebaran is hunting for new clothes in the market either modern or traditional. People set aside some income from their work or use THR to buy clothes to wear when they return home.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, buying new Eid clothes in the market seems to be a scary thing. Because, people will be crowding in shopping centers. This can cause the transmission of coronavirus.

The alternative is to buy new clothes online. However, not everyone can be satisfied if they do not see the desired clothes directly. Shopping for new clothes during Lebaran is a long-awaited moment.

Homecoming

The next Eid tradition that is missed due to the pandemic is of course homecoming. Usually before the pandemic, most Indonesians return home. Stations, airports and terminals are always packed with travelers.

Upon arrival, travelers with family and neighbors also spend time on vacation. However, homecoming is only a wishful thinking this year.

The government strictly prohibits homecoming because it reflects from the big holiday moments, there is always a sharp increase in cases of infection. This is reinforced by the Task Force on Handling COVID-19 by issuing a Circular Banning homecoming from May 6-17, 2021 to suppress the spread of coronavirus.

Open house

Lastly, the tradition that will be missed during Lebaran is visiting the neighbors. Or vice versa, invite neighbors to visit our house.

As a result of the pandemic, there are now almost no more handshakes. Coronavirus can be transmitted to humans through hand media. This certainly makes the halal tradition of bi halal visiting the homes of relatives and closest people during Lebaran impossible.

Some people will replace it with creative ways such as implementing virtual friendship.