Eid al-Adha* (*estimated) in India

Eid al-Adha* is a holiday in India. Eid al-Adha* is called Eid al-Adha* (*estimated) in India

When is Eid al-Adha* in India

Eid al-Adha* is celebrated on 28, June, 2023 in India.

About Eid al-Adha* (*estimated) in India

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including in India. The date of this festival is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and may vary each year, hence the estimation in the question.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. Therefore, on this day, Muslims sacrifice an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, to honor this event. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy.

In India, Eid al-Adha holds great significance for the Muslim community. The festivities begin with special prayers at the local mosque, where Muslims gather in large numbers to offer their prayers. After the prayers, people return home to enjoy a festive breakfast with their families and exchange greetings. It is customary to wear new clothes on this day and visit friends and relatives to share the joy of the occasion.

The highlight of the festival is the sacrifice of an animal. Muslims who can afford it will purchase an animal, often in advance, and take care of it until the day of Eid. The sacrifice is performed by a skilled butcher following Islamic rituals and guidelines. The meat is then distributed as mentioned earlier, ensuring that everyone has a share in the celebration.

In addition to the religious rituals, Eid al-Adha is a time for social gatherings, feasting, and spreading joy. People prepare and share traditional delicacies, sweets, and meals with their loved ones and neighbors. Many also engage in acts of charity, making donations and helping those in need.

The celebration of Eid al-Adha in India varies from region to region, with different cultural influences shaping the customs and traditions. However, the essence of this festival remains the same – a time for prayer, reflection, sacrifice, and generosity.

History of Eid al-Adha* (*estimated) in India

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including in India. The history of Eid al-Adha in India dates back to the medieval period when Islam spread to the Indian subcontinent.

The arrival of Islam in India can be traced to the early 7th century when Arab traders established contacts with the western coast of India. However, it was during the 12th century that significant Muslim rulers and dynasties emerged in India, such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.

Under Muslim rulers, Islam flourished in India, and the celebration of Eid al-Adha became an integral part of the religious and cultural fabric of the Indian Muslim community. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The festival begins with congregational prayers held in mosques, after which Muslims sacrifice an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, to commemorate the sacrifice made by Ibrahim. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the needy and less fortunate.

In India, Eid al-Adha is celebrated with great enthusiasm and unity among the Muslim community. Families come together to offer prayers, exchange greetings, and share meals. Mosques and homes are adorned, and people dress in their finest attire. The festivities extend beyond the Muslim community, with people from other religious backgrounds joining in the celebrations, exchanging greetings, and partaking in the spirit of brotherhood and harmony.

Over the years, the celebration of Eid al-Adha has become an essential part of India’s multicultural society, reflecting the country’s diversity and religious tolerance. The government of India also declares a public holiday on Eid al-Adha, allowing Muslims to observe the festival with ease and devotion.

In recent times, Eid al-Adha celebrations in India have witnessed various social and charitable initiatives. Many individuals and organizations engage in acts of charity, distributing meat and food to the needy and organizing community feasts. These efforts aim to ensure that the less fortunate members of society can also partake in the joyous festivities of Eid al-Adha.

Overall, the history of Eid al-Adha in India reflects the rich Islamic heritage of the country and the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious communities. The festival continues to be celebrated with immense joy, reinforcing the values of sacrifice, compassion, and unity among Muslims in India.

How is Eid al-Adha* celebrated in India

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or Bakra Eid, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India by the Muslim community. Here is how it is typically celebrated:

Preparations: Prior to Eid al-Adha, people clean their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare special dishes for the festive occasion. They also visit markets to purchase sacrificial animals such as goats, sheep, or cows.
Morning Prayers: On the day of Eid, people wake up early and gather at mosques or open grounds to offer the special Eid prayer, known as Salat al-Eid. The prayer is led by an Imam and includes a sermon emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and gratitude.
Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice): After the prayers, Muslims who can afford it perform Qurbani, which involves sacrificing an animal in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of 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 needy.
Feast and Festivities: After the Qurbani, a grand feast is prepared using the meat from the sacrificed animal. Families and friends come together to enjoy the meal, which includes various traditional dishes and desserts. It is also common for people to exchange gifts and visit each other’s homes to celebrate the occasion.
Charitable Acts: Eid al-Adha emphasizes the importance of charity and helping those in need. Many people donate money, clothes, or food to the less fortunate during this time. Charitable organizations and individuals often organize distribution drives to ensure everyone can participate in the festivities.
Social Gatherings: Eid al-Adha is a time for socializing and strengthening community bonds. Families and friends visit each other, exchange greetings, and spend quality time together. It is common to see people dressed in traditional attire, visiting markets, and enjoying various cultural activities.

It is important to note that the way Eid al-Adha is celebrated may vary slightly across different regions of India due to cultural diversity.

Dates

Eid al-Adha* will be celebrated in India on in the comming years.

Eid al-Adha (estimated) in India