ANOTHER EID IN A PANDEMIC, THE JOURNEY SO FAR.


          

Nigerians are becoming more familiar and less frightened about the pandemic unlike when the first case was detected in Nigeria on 27th February, 2020. The muslims celebrate  two eids in a year; the Eidl-Adha and Eidl-Fitr  which is known to be colourful and full of joy and a source of pride to the muslims. According to the Pew Research Center, the muslim population in Nigeria is the fifth largest in the world, collating to at least 90 million citizens out of over 200 million people. This illustrates that almost half the population of Nigeria have celebrated at least 4 major religious celebrations in a Pandemic, and this has effects on the wellbeing of a muslim believer. The effect of this pandemic on Eid celebrations and vice-versa is milder on the socio-cultural, religious, psychological and physical aspects of a muslim if fianancial security is assured and a good human community is constant.

To begin with the effect of a pandemic on Eid celebrations, festivities are minimized in terms of outings and gatherings which also directly affects the level of enjoyable activities for all ages across the nation. Also, families  who have a relative or friend seriously ill from the pandemic or is dead due to the pandemic, see little or no reason to celebrate Eid. Furthermore, the prices of goods and services which are already on the high side in the country is fueled more by the pandemic, making it harder for muslim faithfuls to exchange gifts and enjoy the Eid season to the fullest.

In addition, the noise pollution generated from Eid festivities via dubar  events which are popular in the northern part of Nigeria as well as other events associated with Eid celebrations are reduced. This reduces the complications from noise pollution at individual and societal levels respectively. Moreover, some family gatherings which are done more during this season and associated events are now done virtually using various video meeting apps such as Zoom, Skype, Google meet and other commonly used social media apps which are used on a daily basis. Funny enough, I  believe those in the low socioeconomic stratum who are unable to attend paid events or shows and do not have new or well tailored outfits to wear for Eid will be at peace at home behind closed doors, thereby, balancing the equation with those in higher socio-economic strata.

On the other side, the outcomes of celebrations such as Eid on the Pandemic leaves a mark on the morbidity and mortality rate of citizens. It is a known fact that outings are minimized but not erased completely and this puts a lot of people at risk of infection with only 4,024,000 doses of Oxford and Astrazeneca Vaccine received by a population of over 200 million citizens who are practicing little or no preventive measures of Coronavirus Disease-2019. Globally, the mental health of individuals have been affected negatively by the pandemic, increasing the workload for healthworkers, especially psychiatrists and psychologists. This season will leave a positive impact on muslim faithfuls, improving their overall health status.

On a final note, Nigerians love celebrations in any capacity or season and the harsh economy in recent years can not stop Nigerians from celebrating, spreading love , peace and unity. This is the most beautiful aspect of celebrations anywhere  in the world.


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