For as long as he can remember, Suhail Khandwani, managing trustee of Mahim's Hazrat Makhdum Fakih Ali Mahimi Dargah and trustee of Worli's Haji Ali Dargah, has never seen the two mausoleums this silent. Certainly not during Ramzan. The holy month, which began on Saturday, normally sees thousands of worshippers congregate to offer special prayers and share meals in the sprawling precincts. This time, though, tradition has been curtailed to limit the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak. "As of now, only the imam and three others are present at the dargah to conduct rituals and prayers. No visitors are allowed," says Khandwani.

Although most understand the need to keep religious institutions locked, some argue that dargahs and mosques should be allowed to remain open at least for Friday prayers. There's no budging, insists Khandwani. "While I agree that the Jummah namaaz is important, we can't go ahead if it involves a risk to human lives. Fasting and iftar will have to be done remotely and privately to ensure everyone is safe and healthy." Khandwani also states that if seen objectively, a remote Ramzan may not be all that difficult. "You can break your fast at home with a single date, or even a pinch of salt. There's no need to step out of home, if you stock up adequately." To ensure this is taken seriously, he and the team of trustees have been sending out circulars through social media, and are requesting senior clerics to reiterate the message.