PESHAWAR: This time around the pandemic has wreaked havoc on human lives around the globe and hanging out is not only risky but also tantamount to brining misery to one’s family and even friends.

Eid festival is an occasion that compels us to get together to enjoy memories and different dishes and beverages, sweets and meat.

One thing is for sure; the Covid-19 pandemic asks for following some standard safety measures and does not stop us from celebrating Eid festival or any other event of family pleasure . Though Eidul Fitr is celebrated as sharing sweets, but any traditional dish without meat remains incomplete.

In a new normal situation, we can easily avoid shaking hands, hugging and even can show and share our good feelings while following the standard operating procedures in our rituals to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Some of us might have lost a family member or a friend to the deadly third wave of the Covid-19, but still such occasions give us hope to get to normal if we follow some instructions and try to get to use to a new normal situation.

Modern ways of communication allow us to remain in touch with our near and dear ones and at home we can enjoy sweets and meat, so traditional hospitality is but doomed to remain dampened during the current wave of pandemic. However, traditional foods, dry fruits and beverages can be offered to occasional guests and visitors.

Different kinds of traditional dishes, including Wareeta and Pate Teeke cooked in salt only, are often offered while green tea, dry fruit, cold drinks and fresh fruits continue to heighten our moods during the Eid festival.

Enjoying ice cream and a variety of puddings are additional luxuries for those who can afford at such festive events.

The residents of different areas celebrate Eid festivals in their cultural ways across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and elsewhere, but in a typical Pakhtun society the visitors and relatives are served foods and beverages at hujras (male guest houses).

The tablecloths are laid down long enough where guests could sit and enjoy food together. Social distancing could be ensured and other SOPs followed.

Friends always love hanging out and dining out, but this Eid warns us all to stay home and keep safe from walking onto crowded places.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2021