AS Eid-ul-Fitr approaches at the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan, communities are being encouraged to spend time at home and not go out as part of the Eid celebrations.

Eid, the day where Muslims celebrate the end of a month of fasting, is to take place on either Sunday or Monday.

Regardless of which day it falls on, it is still in the lockdown period, which means Muslims in East Lancashire will not be able to read their prayers at the mosque or visit family and friends.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “Please celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in your own homes with the people you live with only.

“I know how disappointing it is not to mark the end of Ramadan together, but anyone can spread coronavirus and anyone can catch it.”

Usually, Muslim families would spend three days hosting meals for relatives, praying at the mosque in the morning and going out.

Cllr Iqbal said: “Social distancing restrictions haven’t been lifted, which means people should not gather in groups.

“We’ve come this far - let’s do what we can to continue to protect our loved ones to control the virus and save lives.

“So please don’t get together with friends and family or attend any large gatherings at mosques, car parks or any other open spaces.”

The government guidance now allows two people from different households to meet in outdoor settings, such as parks and public spaces, as long as they stay two metres apart.

Staying at home on Eid with only immediate family may sound boring, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy the day.

One Voice Blackburn is sending out Eid cards to all of its members and encouraging people to use apps such as Zoom to virtually celebrate with loved ones.

Chief executive Zaffer Khan said: “I think the community is more than prepared to have Eid at home.

“Many people will not buy clothes so perhaps this is the first Eid people can be at home with just their family and have a simpler time without the fuss," he added.

“Eid can be enjoyed more in this way, because we concentrate on the family around us, and we’ve already been isolating this long, so we can do it on Eid too.”

One of the things people can do this Eid, is to create a fun day filled with activities for their children.

This can include creating a prayer station to pray with each other, cooking together and letting the younger children bake their own Eid cakes or sending gifts to family and speaking to them over Zoom.