Celebrating faith, sacrifice, and obedience to God
Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son
Special Eid prayers in congregation and spiritual reflection
Sharing sacrificial meat with family, friends, and the needy
Eid al-Adha, known as Bakrid in South Asia, is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year. It honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. Before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.
Bakrid is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival lasts for three days and coincides with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam.
Eid Prayers at Mosque
Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The celebration usually continues for up to three days in many countries.
Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Bakrid shifts by about 10 to 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. This is why its date changes every year.
Bakrid also occurs during the period of Hajj pilgrimage. Around the same time, pilgrims in Mina perform the symbolic sacrifice as part of Hajj rituals.
Islamic Date: 10 Dhu al-Hijjah
Calendar Type: Lunar
Duration: 1 to 3 days
The day begins with Muslims performing ghusl (ritual purification), wearing new or best clothes, and proceeding to an open field or mosque for special Eid prayers.
Those who can afford it sacrifice a halal animal (usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel) following the Eid prayers. The sacrifice symbolizes obedience to God.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.
People visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and share festive meals. It's a time for reconciliation and strengthening community bonds.
Bakrid teaches powerful life values: faith, gratitude, discipline, and service to others. The act of qurbani is not just ritual sacrifice; it reminds believers to let go of selfishness and share blessings.
One of the most meaningful parts of Bakrid is distribution of meat to people in need. This reinforces dignity, equality, and collective care in society.
Across India, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Muslims celebrate Bakrid with Eid prayer, family visits, and charity. Food traditions may differ, but the spiritual message remains the same.
Bakrid is an important topic in cultural studies and general knowledge. Understanding it helps students learn religious harmony, diversity, and respectful social behavior.
Special congregational prayers on Bakrid
Qurbani following Islamic traditions
Special dishes prepared with sacrificial meat
Visiting relatives and exchanging greetings
Eidi and gifts for children and loved ones
Distributing meat to the poor and needy
Discover the rich cultural heritage through diverse religious festivals
Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's complete submission to God's will, setting an example for all Muslims.
Emphasizes sharing blessings with the less fortunate, promoting social equality and compassion.
Strengthens family and community bonds through collective prayers, feasts, and celebrations.