Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or Eid-ul-Adha, is set to be celebrated on June 7 this year in India, marking one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. This festival holds great importance for Muslims around the world, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s act of faith and obedience.
The date of Eid al-Adha varies across continents based on the sighting of the moon, with countries like Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Oman observing the festival a day earlier than India. Muslims worldwide celebrate this day on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
The festival of Eid-ul-Adha is often referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, reflecting the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a test of devotion. As Ibrahim prepared to carry out God’s command, he was stopped at the last moment and provided with a ram to sacrifice instead. This act symbolizes Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and obedience to God.
On the day of Bakrid, Muslims come together in mosques or open areas to offer special prayers. Following the prayers, they participate in the main ritual of Qurbani, sacrificing an animal such as a sheep, goat, camel, or buffalo. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts, with one portion for the family, another for relatives and friends, and the final portion for the less fortunate.
In India, Bakrid is a joyous occasion where families prepare elaborate meals using the sacrificial animal. Popular dishes include biryani, kebabs, mutton korma, and sheer kurma. It is a time for families to come together, share festive meals, and extend hospitality to guests. People visit relatives and neighbors, exchanging greetings of Eid Mubarak and giving gifts or Eidi, which are tokens of money or presents.
While Qurbani is not mandatory for all Muslims, those who can afford it perform the ritual as a way of giving back to the community. Each family celebrates Bakrid in their unique way, whether through traditional cooking, charitable donations, or acts of kindness towards others. The spirit of Eid al-Adha lies in fostering social bonds, sharing blessings, and spreading joy and goodwill among all.
