When Is Eid-ul-Adha 2025? Check Bakrid Date In India, History, Significance And More

Bakrid, also known as Eid-ul-Adha, is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by Muslims around the globe. The occasion is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.

The festival coincides with the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. This year, Arafat Day or Yaum al-Arafah, which is the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, will fall on June 6. Many people visit Mecca on Arafat Day as it is considered to be an extremely spiritual occasion.

Since the Islamic calendar is based on the moon, the date of the festival could vary. The sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah, was announced by Saudi Arabia on May 27.

This year, the festival will be marked on June 7 in India, based on the sighting of the moon. In the Middle East, Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 6. If the moon remains unseen on June 6 in the Middle East, the festival will be marked on June 7 in the region and on June 8 in India.

The difference in the date of the festival is because the lunar cycle is a day late in the Indian subcontinent compared to the Middle East and many other parts of the world.

The origins of the festival are traced back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Isma'il's sacrifice mentioned in the holy Quran. It is believed that Ibrahim was asked by Allah to sacrifice his son, Isma'il (Ishmael), as a test of his faith. Ibrahim proceeded to prove his devotion by sacrificing Isma’il, who was replaced with a ram by Allah as a reward.

The festival symbolises generosity, compassion, humility and gratitude towards other human beings. It advocates being charitable towards those in need. Eid-ul-Adha is a time for families to celebrate together with feasts, prayers and more.

Traditionally, Bakrid is marked with morning prayers at the mosque. This is followed by qurbani or animal sacrifice, with a goat, sheep, or buffalo. The meat is usually divided into three parts- one for family, another for friends and relatives and one for the less fortunate. 

The period around Eid al-Adha marks the Hajj pilgrimage. The rituals start from the eighth day of Dhul Hijjah and end on the 13th day of the month. This year, the pilgrimage will take place from June 4 to June 9, depending on the sighting of the moon.