Muslims around the world are observing a sombre Eidul Fitr, many under coronavirus lockdown, but lax restrictions offer respite to worshippers in some countries despite fears of skyrocketing infections.

This year, the celebration is overshadowed by the fast-spreading respiratory disease, with many countries tightening lockdown restrictions after a partial easing during Ramazan led to a sharp spike in infections.

Further dampening the festive spirit, multiple countries — from Saudi Arabia to Egypt, Turkey and Syria — have banned mass prayer gatherings, a festival highlight, to limit the spread of the disease.

Read the full story here.

This picture taken on May 24, 2020 during the early hours of Eidul Fitr shows an aerial view of the Grand Mosque and the Holy Kaaba in the centre of Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. — AFP
This picture taken on May 24, 2020 during the early hours of Eidul Fitr shows an aerial view of the Grand Mosque and the Holy Kaaba in the centre of Saudi Arabia's holy city of Makkah. — AFP

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