Bakra Eid to be celebrated on June 29; know date, significance of festival here

Also read: Eid ul-Fitr in India: Shah Rukh Khan greets fans outside Mannat on Eid

History and Significance of Bakra Eid

The festival commemorates the story of Abraham, also known as Prophet Ibrahim, who had a recurring dream of sacrificing his son, Ismael, as an act of obedience to God. Ibrahim shared these visions with his son and explained that it was Allah’s command. Ismael, who was also a devoted follower of Allah, willingly agreed to fulfil God’s wishes. However, Satan attempted to tempt Ibrahim and dissuade him from carrying out the sacrifice. Nonetheless, Ibrahim bravely dismissed Satan’s influence by pelting stones at it.

Impressed by Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion, Allah sent Jibreel (Angel Gabriel), the Archangel, with a sheep for sacrifice. Jibreel informed Ibrahim that Allah was pleased with his faithfulness and presented the sheep as a substitute for his son. Since then, the practice of sacrificing cattle during Eid-ul-Adha symbolises Prophet Ibrahim and Ismael’s profound love for Allah. It also signifies the willingness to sacrifice what one cherishes most for the sake of pleasing Allah.

Also read: Eid ul-Fitr in India to be celebrated on this date, here’s more details

Date of Bakra Eid

In India, the responsibility of confirming the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon lies with moon sighting committee, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. These committees consist of knowledgeable individuals who are assigned the task of observing the moon’s visibility after sunset on the 29th day of the preceding month, known as Dhu al-Qidah.

If the moon is sighted with the naked eye, it signifies the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah, and the announcement is made accordingly. It’s important to note that moon sightings can vary due to factors like weather conditions and geographical location, leading to different announcements for different regions within India, reported HT.

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the oldest and largest socio-religious organization of Indian Muslims, announced that Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 29 following the sighting of the moon. This date coincides with the observance of Bakrid in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, and Singapore. However, Saudi Arabia will celebrate the festival on June 28.

Celebrations of Bakra Eid

On the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-ul-Adha by honoring the act of sacrificing what they hold dear to express their devotion to Allah. They offer sacrifices of goats or sheep in commemoration of the sheep sent by Allah through Jibreel. The meat from these sacrifices is divided into three equal parts – one portion is kept for the family, another is shared with relatives, and the remaining portion is distributed among the poor and needy. Muslims believe that although the meat and blood do not reach Allah, it is the sincere devotion and love of His followers that truly reach Him.

Muslims also attend the mosque to perform Eid al-Adha namaz (prayer) after the sun has fully risen but before the Zuhr prayer time (midday prayer). They begin the festivities by offering morning prayers at the mosque and subsequently carry out the ritual of sacrifice, symbolizing self-sacrifice and expressing gratitude to Allah.

In addition, Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha by relishing delicious food, giving alms to the less fortunate, and gathering with family, relatives, and friends to share joy and love. Festive feasts include delectable dishes such as mutton biryani, mutton korma, mutton keema, bhuna kaleji. Desserts like sheer khurma  and kheer are relished on this day.

Updated: 27 Jun 2023, 05:58 PM IST