Bakrid celebrations subdued in rain-hit Kodagu

Most Muslims in the district celebrated Bakrid in a simple way as the celebratory mood was marred by the enormity of the calamity that has struck Kodagu.

A majority of Muslims were not in a happy frame of mind to celebrate the festival. Kodagu, a land of festivities, observes Tula Sankramana, Ganesha Chaturthi, Onam, Dasara and Huttari along with festivals of other faiths with much pomp and gaiety. However, the district, ravaged by floods, seems to have kept itself away from celebrations this time.

On Wednesday, Muslims confined Bakrid celebrations to prayers, thereby bringing out the real message of the festival which stands for sacrifice, in a true sense.

City Community Hall supervisor Rehman said that nobody has purchased new clothes for the festival. The money reserved for the purchase of new items has been utilised towards the welfare of the flood victims at the relief centres. The victims are being provided moral support by preparing food for them.

Leader Muhammed Sharif said that Coorg Community hall has now become the centre of harmony in the real sense.

“Lot of people have lost their houses and shops which were their lifeline. Some chose to observe the festivals in their relatives places. Around 50 people from the relief centre have moved to their relative’s houses to offer prayers and observe the festival. After they return to the relief centre, we will celebrate Bakrid en-masse,” he said.

The district administration has initiated dance, music and yoga sessions at the 41 relief centres across the district to uplift the mood of flood victims and give them moral support. Music sessions help in creating a calm atmosphere in the relief centres, which are otherwise wearing a grim look.

As the schoolchildren have been missing classes constantly owing to rain related holidays and floods, the education department has decided to conduct classes on Sundays and government holidays in the days to come.

However, most of the schools have been converted into relief centres till rehabilitation is provided to the victims. Regular classes will commence later.