Eid al-Adha also called Eid Qurban and Bakrid in India is one of the two significant festivals celebrated by Muslims across the globe. Celebrated as the ‘festival of sacrifice’ it falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. It also marks the end of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca.

When is Bakrid in India?

The exact date in which the festival is celebrated depends on the Lunar sightings. This year the worldwide celebrations would begin on July 31st, according to the dates announced by Saudi Arabia. However, in India, it will be celebrated on the next day, August 1. The date was announced by the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid.

Significance of the festival

The festival honours prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) who was willing to sacrifice his son as per the will of Allah (God). According to the belief, Ibrahim had recurrent dreams about sacrificing his son Ismael. Realizing it as a command from Allah, the Prophet told his son about the dream. Ismael asked his father to follow Allah’s order.

While he was making the supreme sacrifice, Satan (‘shaitan’) tried to dissuade him. But he wasn’t deterred and he drove the devil away. Allah was pleased by his devotion and granted life to Ismail and asked Ibrahim to sacrifice a goat, instead.

Since then Muslims celebrate the festival to hail Ibrahim and Ismael’s love for Allah. To mark the day, the devotees sacrifice a sheep or a goat. For this reason, the festival is also called as Bakrid.

Generally, the sacrificed meat is divided into three equal parts- one of this would be cooked by the family, the second goes to relatives while the third is distributed to the poor and needy.