Healing from lockdown trauma, Ramazan instills revival hopes in Bhopal markets

BHOPAL: The unforgettable feeling of Ramazan, that was missing for two years, is back. This year’s holy month of fasting for the faithful comes with a renewed appreciation. Perchance the little things about celebrating the month is in Bhopal, we took for granted.
“Hopefully we are past the social isolation, uncertainty and other pandemic-driven stressors, this Ramazan, there is an appreciation of city life, our culture and going back to fully in-person get-togethers,” said Shazad Alim, a businessman.“It still feels odd to say in-person attendance,” he added.
Saturday evening marked the beginning of Ramazan. “Fasting during the summer season is the true test of endurance. From dawn to dusk, a fast can last about 14 hours without eating or drinking,” said Rafiq Khan. He cited the health benefits of fasting. “To fast is to be humble, develop compassion and comprehend suffering of others, who are far less blessed. It is a month to give alms,” he added.
In the City of Lakes, the month can mean markets open through the night. “My brother’s college friends from college explored the city during Ramazan. I’m in my third year of aeronautics engineering. It’s a tradition to invite friends from all religions to our home. I am told one student of Manit ended up writing an in depth study of Bhopal’s architecture after his tours during Ramazan,” said Amir Ali.
This festive season, a whole city wants to rejoice in perhaps now a post-Covid phase. Not exactly easy to leave behind. During Ramazan special evening prayers are held after the last of five namaz of the day. On Saturday, the Imam in a Kulsum Sahiba mosque, before the prayers began, informed about the passing of two of his peers. A somber connection echoed. No one else spoke, but the pandemic has perhaps touched everyone. Deaths and grief.
Festivals will play a key role in post-Covid revival? That was a line from an economic standpoint. Markets are only prepping up for what could be a good Eid bazaar. The traders community is not yet convinced. A place like New Market which was buzzing till 11 pm, is almost locked out two hours ahead. The scene in other locations is likely to be similar.
The other outcome and bit under-appreciated is mental health. The trauma of lockdowns, economic fallout and kids staying indoors. A friend from Shahpura took his son on a tour of vintage Bhopal heritage structures this morning. It was the first morning of Ramazan and a Sunday. Workday adjustments and fasting would perhaps feel easier from Monday.
Ventilation or cathartics are terms used by mental health experts. A leading physiatrist in MP and former HoD of department of physiatry at Gandhi Medical College (GMC) Dr RN Sahu decrypted the meaning. “In person meetings for mental health perspective bring positivity and adds to mental alertness. When people meet they share emotional issues and lead to a much desired ventilation of emotions. As a whole it is a net gain for society.” In the end the value of new found expressions can fizzle away by a new form of variant. Something not to be forgotten. “Now people feel Covid-19 is behind us. Maintaining social distance is key. Variants keep coming. We have to follow Covid-19 preventive behaviours,” he stressed.