Bakrid 2018: Date, Significance and Celebrations

Earlier, the central government had said that the Bakrid holiday would fall on 23 August.

A large number of people offered morning prayers at the historic Jama Masjid near Red Fort.

(File Photo: iStock)

Bakra Eid (Id-ul-Zuha), one of the two prominent Eids of the Muslim community, will be celebrated on Wednesday, 22 August 2018.

Earlier, the central government had said that the Bakrid or Eid al-Adha holiday would fall on 23 August.

Bakra Eid Celebrations

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is celebrated with much fanfare by the Muslim community. The day usually begins with a visit to the mosque where prayers are offered. This is followed by the sacrifice and feasting with near and dear ones. People meet dear ones, exchange good wishes and gifts.

Of course, no festival is complete without good food and Bakra Eid or Eid-ul-Adha lives up to the reputation. You will find people cooking delicious Biryanis, Korma, Kababs, Haleem and Kheer and Sevaiyan.

What is the Significance of

Eid al-Adha?

It is believed that Prophet Ibrahim, in his dreams, was asked by God to sacrifice his son Ismail. However, on the day of the sacrifice, God asked Ibrahim not to kill his son and a sheep was slaughtered in his place. Bakrid commemorates Ibrahim’s intended sacrifice of his son Ismail to God.

The sacrificial animal, on Bakra Eid, is divided into three parts to be distributed with relatives, friends and neighbours, poor and needy and the third part is kept for themselves.