New Delhi: Muslims those who are observing holy Islamic month of Ramzan are facing many difficulties this year due to Covid- 19 pandemic, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday. He hoped that world freed from the pandemic before Eid, he said in his monthly “Mann Ki Baat” program.

He appealed the people to stay inside the houses and ensure physical distancing. He also thanked the community leaders for spread the Covid- 19 awareness in the people. In his address in “Mann Ki Baat” Modi said that “The holy month of Ramzan has begun. When Ramzan was observed the last time, we never thought that there would be so many difficulties this time. Now that we are deep in crisis, we have an opportunity to observe the holy month with patience, sensitivity and selflessness. This time, we have to pray more than the last time so that the world is freed of Covid- 19 before Eid… so that we can celebrate with fervor just like before”.

Ramzan is marked by month-long fasting by followers of Islam and culminates with celebration of Eid al-Fitr. All the festivities are being celebrated at homes this year; PM Modi said, amid countrywide lockdown to break the chain of transmission of Covid- 19. “Recently we celebrated festivals like Ugadi, Sri Rama Navami, Bihu, Baisakhi, Pothundu, Vishu, Odia New year. We saw how people celebrated these festivals with simplicity by staying home,” he said.

“Normally people would celebrate these festivals with their friends and families in a joyous manner. They would share their happiness outside their homes also. But this time everyone showed patience and followed rules of lockdown. We saw that our Christian friends celebrated Easter at Home this time. Today, it is essential to abide by our duties towards our country and society. Only then can we flatten the curve of COVID-19,” Modi said.