Bakr Id/Eid al Adha Begins

Eid al-Adha History

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims in India. It marks the end of Hajj, which is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The festival honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah's command. Just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah replaced the boy with a sheep, which was then slaughtered in his place. As a result, Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat or cow) and distribute the meat to the poor and needy.

The festival begins with the morning prayers held in mosques, after which families gather to give thanks and enjoy a feast of meat, sweets and savouries. Many also donate money or clothing to charities in honour of the festival. In India, Eid al-Adha is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is an occasion for communal harmony and social interaction.

The history of Eid al-Adha dates back to the time of Ibrahim, around 2000 BCE. It is believed that Allah instructed Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismael, as a test of his faith. At the last moment, Allah intervened and provided a sacrificial animal instead. Ibrahim's willingness to obey Allah's command is celebrated on this day as well as the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha is observed on June 28th this year.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Bakr Id/Eid al Adha Begins in India

• The following facts regarding the observance of Eid al-Adha in India are central to its cultural and religious significance:
  
  The official commencement of the festival is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, a task overseen by the Markazi Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and local moon-sighting bodies across various Indian states.
• The central ritual of the holiday is known as Qurbani, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s absolute devotion and involves the symbolic sacrifice of livestock such as goats, sheep, or buffaloes.
• In the Indian subcontinent, the festival is colloquially referred to as Bakrid due to the prominence of the goat as the primary animal chosen for the sacrifice.
• The meat from the sacrificed animal is traditionally divided into three equal portions: one for the immediate family, one for relatives and friends, and one specifically reserved for the Mustahiq, or the needy, to ensure that the less fortunate can also participate in the festivities.
• On the morning of the festival, large congregational prayers called the Eid-ul-Adha Namaz are performed at specialized open-air prayer grounds known as Eidgahs or in major mosques.
• Devotees observe the recitation of the Takbir-e-Tashreeq, a specific series of praises to the Almighty that begins on the dawn of the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah and continues until the afternoon of the 13th day.
• The culinary traditions of the day feature a diverse array of meat-based delicacies, including Biryani, Mutton Korma, and Chapli Kebabs, typically followed by desserts such as Sheer Khurma or Shahi Tukda.
• The festival coincides with the final rites of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, marking the successful completion of one of the five pillars of Islam for millions of pilgrims.
• Many Muslims in India observe a day of fasting on the Day of Arafah, which falls just 24 hours before the primary celebration, as it is believed to provide immense spiritual rewards.
• The holiday is officially recognized as a gazetted public holiday in India, leading to the closure of government offices, banks, and educational institutions nationwide.

In the News and Trending in India for Bakr Id/Eid al Adha Begins

Top things to do in India for Eid al-Adha

• Often, a large party is thrown by Muslims on one of the three days of Eid al-Adha. Meat from slaughtered animals is served.
• It is Islamic tradition to wear your most beautiful clothes on the first day of Eid al-Adha. A few days before Eid al-Adha, Muslims shop for their new Eid clothes. Merchants in Islamic countries often hold their biggest sales before Eid al-Adha.
• Large congregational prayers called Eidgah are held in the early morning at various mosques, prayer grounds, and community centers throughout the country. Some famous mosques include the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, and Tipu Sultan Mosque in Kolkata.
• Many cities organize special fairs, exhibitions, or carnivals during this time, offering amusement rides, food stalls, and shopping. Some famous fairs include the Eid Milan in Mumbai and the Eid Mela in Bangalore.