Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) in India Confirmed for Saturday, June 7
The date for Eid al-Adha, also widely known as Bakrid or the Festival of Sacrifice, has been confirmed for Saturday, June 7, 2025, in India and other South Asian countries. This announcement follows the anticipated sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent moon on Friday evening, June 6th, marking the beginning of the holy month in the region.
Significance of the Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals in Islam, commemorating the profound devotion and faith of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim demonstrated his unwavering submission to God's will by being prepared to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. In a divine act of mercy, God intervened and provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. The festival honours this ultimate act of faith and obedience.
Observance and Celebration
The central ritual of Eid al-Adha involves the sacrifice of an animal, such as a goat, sheep, or camel, in the name of Allah. The meat from this sacrifice is traditionally divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy, emphasizing charity and community bonding. Devotees also gather in large congregations at mosques to offer special prayers, known as the Eid al-Adha namaaz, which are performed in the morning. The day is characterized by feasting, visiting family and friends, and sharing joy with the community.
Global Dates and the Lunar Calendar
The observance of Eid al-Adha is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which can lead to variations in dates across different parts of the world. Consequently, countries in the Gulf region, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, along with Western nations like the US and UK, marked the festival a day earlier, on Friday, June 6th, based on their local moon sightings. Eid al-Adha is a deeply significant observance for Muslims worldwide, embodying the core values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion. As families in India and neighboring countries prepare for the celebrations on June 7th, the festival serves as a poignant reminder of devotion and the importance of sharing with and caring for the community.
