The year 2020 ushered in an unprecedented era for the world. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, altered social rituals, and forced humanity to rethink how we connect — especially during significant cultural and religious celebrations. Among these was Eid, the joyous festival marking the end of Ramadan, a time traditionally marked by large gatherings, heartfelt embraces, and face-to-face greetings.
However, in the midst of global lockdowns, social distancing, and travel restrictions, the very essence of Eid was transformed. Platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram became the new marketplaces of blessings, and digital greetings replaced physical handshakes. This cultural shift not only demonstrated the resilience of faith communities but also unveiled how technology reshaped religious expressions, forging new forms of togetherness in isolation.
Eid in the Age of Social Distancing
Eid is a festival deeply rooted in community — families come together for prayer, feasting, and celebration, while friends exchange greetings and gifts. But the arrival of the pandemic in early 2020 threatened this communal spirit. Lockdowns barred families from visiting one another, mosques closed their doors, and public Eid prayers were canceled in many countries.
Yet, the human desire to celebrate and connect remained strong. Digital communication tools emerged as vital lifelines. WhatsApp, with its ubiquity and ease of use, became the primary medium for sending Eid Mubarak greetings, photos, and videos. Instagram offered vibrant visual storytelling, allowing users to share their festive moments through posts, reels, and stories.
The digital sphere became an archive of cultural expression and religious devotion, transforming how millions experienced Eid during lockdowns.
WhatsApp: The Digital Majlis of Eid
WhatsApp’s group chats became virtual majlises (gatherings) where families and friends exchanged Eid wishes and memories. Before the pandemic, a typical Eid involved visiting multiple households, offering sweets, and sharing warm hugs. During lockdowns, these in-person rituals were replaced with text messages, voice notes, and video calls — all within the familiar WhatsApp interface.
Specially curated Eid Mubarak images flooded the chat threads — colorful graphics adorned with crescents, lanterns, mosques, and calligraphic wishes in multiple languages. In 2021, these images became particularly popular, evolving beyond mere text greetings to artistic expressions of hope and faith. Users downloaded, personalized, and forwarded these images in rapid succession, creating a cascade of digital blessings.
Many families created multi-generational groups, ensuring grandparents and younger relatives stayed connected. Children, unable to visit elders in person, sent voice messages and selfies, while adults shared recipes, photos of their Eid meals, and prayers. These digital interactions softened the emotional distance imposed by the pandemic.
Moreover, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption assured many users that their personal messages remained private — a comfort in sharing intimate moments during an uncertain time.
Instagram: A Visual Feast of Eid Spirit
While WhatsApp served intimate circles, Instagram allowed users to broadcast Eid celebrations to a wider audience, blending tradition with modern aesthetics. Influencers, photographers, and everyday users posted Eid-themed content, transforming Instagram into a vibrant gallery of faith and festivity.
In 2021, Eid Mubarak images on Instagram showcased creative blends of traditional motifs and contemporary design. Animated posts, digital calligraphy, and short videos captured the spirit of the occasion — lantern-lit nights, henna-adorned hands, and colorful prayer mats.
Instagram reels, with their short and engaging format, became a popular medium for sharing Eid recipes, fashion looks, and even spiritual reflections. The platform’s hashtag culture amplified these posts, turning #EidMubarak into a trending topic across multiple countries.
For many, Instagram stories offered a glimpse into diverse Eid experiences worldwide — from a socially-distanced family gathering in Istanbul to a solo prayer session in New York City. This global mosaic of Eid moments fostered a sense of unity, reminding users that despite physical separation, the shared meaning of the festival endured.
Technology as a Faith Connector
The pandemic accelerated the integration of technology into religious life in unprecedented ways. Beyond greetings, many mosques and Islamic organizations embraced live-streamed Eid prayers and sermons via Facebook Live, YouTube, and Instagram Live. Virtual iftars (breaking of the fast) were hosted over Zoom and Google Meet, allowing believers to share meals and conversations remotely.
These innovations highlighted how digital platforms are not mere communication tools but powerful enablers of spiritual connection. For communities cut off from traditional gathering spaces, technology became a means to preserve rituals and strengthen faith.
The surge of digital Eid greetings also reflected deeper cultural shifts. Younger generations, especially, adapted their modes of celebration to fit a digital-first world — mixing humor, creativity, and cultural pride in memes, GIFs, and digital art. This fusion of faith and digital culture enriched the ways in which Eid was experienced and shared.
Challenges and Digital Fatigue
Despite these successes, the digital celebration of Eid was not without challenges. The absence of physical presence — the hugs, the shared meals, the collective prayers — left many with a profound sense of loss.
Digital fatigue also set in; constant video calls and messaging could not fully substitute the warmth of in-person interaction. For some elderly or less tech-savvy individuals, navigating these platforms posed difficulties, risking social isolation despite technological connectivity.
Additionally, the commercialization of digital Eid greetings raised concerns. The flood of branded greetings, promotional messages, and sponsored posts sometimes diluted the sacredness of the festival, blending spirituality with consumerism.
Looking Ahead: The Hybrid Eid Experience
As the world gradually emerges from the shadows of lockdowns, the question remains: what will future Eids look like? Many predict a hybrid model, where digital celebrations complement traditional ones.
The pandemic has permanently altered expectations. Virtual greetings and online gatherings have proven their value in reaching distant relatives and expanding social circles. Going forward, technology will likely continue to enhance Eid festivities — from augmented reality cards to interactive livestreams and beyond.
The lessons of 2020 and 2021 showed that faith is not confined to physical spaces; it can thrive in digital realms, spreading blessings far and wide, transcending borders and barriers.
Conclusion
The transformation of Eid greetings during COVID-era lockdowns was more than a mere shift to digital platforms. It was a profound cultural adaptation, showcasing human resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of faith in times of crisis.
WhatsApp and Instagram emerged as unexpected venues for communal celebration, enabling millions to share their blessings virtually. The vivid Eid Mubarak images of 2021 symbolize this new era — a blend of tradition and technology, personal and global, sacred and social.
In a world forever changed by the pandemic, when blessings go viral, they carry with them the promise of hope, connection, and spiritual continuity — no matter the distance.
