Eid ul-Zuha or Eid al-Adha, which translates to the ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ in English, is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated throughout the world, the other being Eid-al-Fitr. Popularly known as Bakra-id, this day and its festivities are a symbol of devotion to Allah and his desires. It also marks the completion of Hajj for Muslims. According to the Islamic Lunar calendar, the festival is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. In 2023, Bakra-id will fall on the evening of 29th June (Thursday) and continue till next day evening; however, the dates may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.
Eid al-Adha History and Significance
Eid al-Adha-2023
The history goes that Allah once commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail, in a dream. Although he loved his son dearly, Ibrahim was willing to do as Allah instructed and hence set off to the Mount of Mina near Mecca for the sacrifice. Upon knowing that it was God’s wish, Prophet Ismail asked his father to blindfold himself before putting him on the altar. When he opened his eyes after the act, he was surprised to see a slaughtered goat instead of his son in front of him. Ismail was standing next to him, completely unharmed. It was then revealed to him that it was a test of his faith and unflinching devotion to Allah. Therefore, the festival of Eid ul-Zuha is celebrated by the Muslims throughout the world by sacrificing a goat to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s Qurbani to Allah.
Eid ul-Zuha is also observed as the end of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj at Mina near Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. Every Muslim devotee is required to take the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in their life.
Eid ul-Zuha Celebrations across India
People from the Muslim community wear new clothes and visit a mosque to offer their prayers and wish for peace and prosperity. After the namaz, a goat or sheep is sacrificed and divided into three parts to distribute among family, friends, relatives, and the poor. Muslim families visit their near and dear ones and wish them “Eid Mubarak”. Special dishes are prepared and presents are exchanged.
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Traditional Ways to Celebrate the Eid-Ul-Adha or Bakrid
Eid-al-adha-celebration
Eid-Ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and engage in acts of charity and kindness. It all starts with attending communal prayers in the morning by gathering in mosques or open grounds to perform special prayers called the Eid prayer. After the prayers, People participate in the ritual animal sacrifice, also known as ‘Qurbani’. They slaughter an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or camel following specific religious guidelines. The meat, divided into three equal parts, is then distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, emphasizing the spirit of sharing and charity.
Families and friends come together wearing new clothes and enjoy festive meals and feasts. Traditional dishes and delicacies are made including meat dishes, sweets, and traditional desserts. Exchanging gifts, especially among family members and children is also a tradition. This symbolizes joy, love, generosity, and gratitude. Eid ul-Zaha is a Festival of being together with your family and friends in case if you want to celebrate and travel together you can explore some best hotels in India.
Places to Observe Eid ul-Zuha Celebration in India
Head to these Indian cities if you want to celebrate Eid ul-Zaha in all its essence.
- Lucknow- Known for its rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and Nawabs, Lucknow celebrates Eid by attending community prayers, special cuisines are prepared like kebabs, biryani, and sheer khurma. People indulge in cultural programs that showcase Awadhi culture and gather for prayers and gratitude at local Eidgah or Mosques.
- Ajmer: the city with Sufi traditions, celebrates Eid-ul-Adha at The Dargah Sharif along with Sufi music and Qawwali which makes the atmosphere soulful, devotional, and spiritual.
- Srinagar: The capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has a rich history of Bakrid. People gather at Hazratbal Shrine for prayers and enjoy Rogan Josh and Yakhni. Women wear traditional attire called phirans and men wear pathani suits while visiting relatives and exchanging gifts.
- New Delhi: In Delhi, Muslims visit Jama Masjid to offer their prayers. People enjoy the special Eid cuisines in Purani Dilli (Old Delhi), traditional cultural events, and melas (fairs).
- Mumbai: Eid al Adha in Mumbai is marked by feasts, fairs and events, and prayers at the iconic Mohammed Ali Road. People indulge in charities, visit family and friends, and wear special Eid attires.
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How to Reach Mumbai by Flight, Train, Car or Bus Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type
| Festivals in India | Day | Date | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year | Sunday | 1 January | Public |
| Lohri | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
| Makar Sankranti | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
| Pongal | Sunday | 15 January | Restricted |
| Basant Panchmi | Thursday | 26 January | Restricted |
| Republic Day | Thursday | 26 January | Public |
| Guru Ravidass Jayanti | Sunday | 5 February | Restricted |
| Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Wednesday | 15 February | Restricted |
| Mahashivratri | Saturday | 18 February | Restricted |
| Losar | Tuesday | 21 February | Restricted |
| Holi | Wednesday | 8 March | Public |
| Ram Navami | Thursday | 30 March | Restricted |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Tuesday | 4 April | Restricted |
| Good Friday | Friday | 7 April | Public |
| Easter | Sunday | 9 April | Restricted |
| Vaisakhi | Friday | 14 April | Restricted |
| Eid Ul Fitr | Saturday | 22 April | Public |
| Buddha Purnima | Friday | 5 May | Public |
| Rabindra Jayanti | Tuesday | 9 May | Restricted |
| Rath Yatra | Tuesday | 20 June | Restricted |
| Eid Al Adha | Thursday | 29 June | Restricted |
| Muharram | Saturday | 29 July | Public |
| Independence Day | Tuesday | 15 August | Public |
| Parsi New Year Navroz | Wednesday | 16 August | Restricted |
| Onam | Tuesday | 29 August | Restricted |
| Raksha Bandhan | Wednesday | 30 August | Restricted |
| Janmashtami | Thursday | 7 September | Restricted |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Tuesday | 19 September | Restricted |
| Id E Milad | Thursday | 28 September | Public |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Monday | 2 October | Public |
| Shardiya Navratri | Sunday | 15 October | No Holiday |
| Durga Puja | Friday | 20 October | No Holiday |
| Dussehra | Tuesday | 24 October | Public |
| Valmiki Jayanti | Saturday | 28 October | Restricted |
| Halloween Day | Tuesday | 31 October | No Holiday |
| Karva Chauth | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Karnataka Rajyotsava | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Kerala Piravi | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Ahoi Ashtami | Sunday | 5 November | No Holiday |
| Dhanteras | Saturday | 11 November | No Holiday |
| Diwali | Sunday | 12 November | Public |
| Kali Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
| Lakshmi Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday | 13 November | Public |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday | 14 November | Restricted |
| Chhath Puja | Sunday | 19 November | Restricted |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Monday | 27 November | Public |
| Kartik Purnima | Monday | 27 November | No Holiday |
| Christmas | Monday | 25 December | Public |
FAQs about Eid al Adha/ Bakrid
Q. When is Eid al Adha/ Bakrid in 2023 in India?
A. Eid al Adha/ Bakrid will be celebrated from 29th June to 30th June 2023 in India.
Q. How to wish for Bakrid/ Eid al Adha?
A. On Bakrid/Eid al Adha, people greet each other by saying “May Allah accept your good deeds, forgive your transgressions and sins, and ease the suffering of all peoples around the globe.”
Q. Why Bakrid / Eid e Qurban is celebrated?
A. The festival of Eid ul-Zuha is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world by sacrificing a goat to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s Qurbani to Allah. Eid ul-Zuha is also observed as the end of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj at Mina near Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.
Q. What is Bakrid/ Eid al Adha?
A. This day and its festivities are a symbol of devotion to Allah and his desires. It also marks the completion of Hajj for Muslims.
Q. How to wish Bakrid to a Muslim friend?
A. Muslims wish each other by saying “Bakrid Mubarak to you! On this blessed occasion of Eid, wishing you and your family joy, happiness, peace, and prosperity!” You can wish however you will feel like; some people wish like this as well “Eid Mubarak to you! May Allah grace you and your family with His heavenly blessings and reward you abundantly for your Holy sacrifice!”
Q. Why does Kerela celebrate Eid al Adha with Saudi Arabia?
A. In Kerela, Eid al Adha will be celebrating a day before the rest of the country due to the moon sighting adhering to the traditional Islamic calendar and actual sighting of the moon.
Q. Why Bakrid/ Eid al Adha is a celebrated story?
A. Eid al Adha is celebrated by Muslims across the world to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifices and complete dedication. Eid al Adha marks the end of the period of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Q. What is Eid e Qurban in Pakistan?
A. Eid e Qurban will be celebrated on Thursday, June 29th, 2023 in Pakistan. People celebrate by demonstrating their obedience to Allah by sacrificing(Qurbani) of an animal.
Q. Why Bakrid is celebrated a day later in India?
A. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Since the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days, the dates for Ramadan and Eid on the Gregorian calendar can vary year by year.
Q. Why is Eid al Adha different in other countries?
A. Eid al Adha is different in other countries because The Islamic Calendar is based on the lunar cycle, meaning that months are determined by the phases of the moon. The sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of a new month, which is why the date of Eid al Adha varies in different countries.
Q. What is Eid al Adha in Bangladesh?
A. Eid al Adha is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bangladesh. Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah by praying and sacrificing an animal. People enjoy feasts, exchange gifts and involve themselves in charity.
Q. Is Bakrid confirmed in U.A.E?
A. Yes, Bakrid is confirmed in U.A.E from 27th June to 30th June 2023.
Q. Is Eid ul Zuha confirmed in Morocco?
A. Yes, Eid ul Zuha is confirmed in Morocco from 28th June 2023 to 30th June 2023.
