Bakr Id/Eid al Adha Begins

Date shown for 2026 is estimated as the official date has not been finalized as of September 2025.

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.

Facts about Eid al-Adha

• Unlike regular prayers, prayers for Eid al-Adha takes place in any large, open field. There Muslims from many mosques congregate together. Usually, mosques collaborate together to find a field that is convenient for everyone to go to. In the United States, Eid prayers often occur in parks.
• Festivities begin with a prayer service, followed by a brief sermon on the morning of the first day. During the prayer, Muslims recite verses from the Quran, lead by an Imam, prostrate to God, and send their peace to Muhammad and Abraham.
• It is customary for Muslims in India to wear new clothes and share gifts, especially with the children, to celebrate Eid al Adha.
• In various parts of India, particularly where Sufi Islam has a strong presence, people visit the shrines of Sufi saints (dargahs) during Eid al-Adha and seek their blessings.

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.