Eid-ul-Adha 2025 in India: When is Bakra Eid? Check date, history, and significance

Time of India

2 days ago

Eid-ul-Adha, also called Bakrid, will be observed on June 7, 2025, in India, following the sighting of the crescent moon. The date varies across countries due to differences in lunar calendar observation. In countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Indonesia, the festival will fall a day earlier, on June 6. Bakrid marks the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command, and is commemorated by Muslims worldwide through prayer, sacrifice, and acts of charity.
Why the date of Eid-ul-Adha changes
Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Because it follows the lunar system, the festival's date depends on the moon sighting, which can vary by location. For 2025, countries such as India, Nigeria, Morocco, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and New Zealand will mark Bakrid on June 7. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Indonesia will observe it on June 6.
Eid-ul_adha: The day of sacrifice
The festival recalls Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail, following God's command. Just as he prepared to carry out the act, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram. The central lesson is about faith and intention. Today, the act of animal sacrifice symbolises this devotion. It serves as a reminder to submit to divine will and share blessings with others.
Bakra Eid 2025 Rituals
Bakrid begins with special morning prayers in mosques or open grounds. People wear traditional clothes and greet each other with 'Eid Mubarak.' The main ritual, called Qurbani, involves the sacrifice of an animal such as a goat, sheep, or buffalo. The meat is divided into three parts—one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
Some families choose to donate their entire share to those in need. Others prefer contributing to organisations that carry out Qurbani in underprivileged areas. These practices reflect the festival's message of compassion and social responsibility.
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Bakra Eid 2025 in India
In India, Bakrid also becomes a moment of shared joy across communities. Friends and neighbours are invited to meals featuring dishes such as biryani, korma, and sheer khurma. 'Eid Mubarak' greetings extend across religious lines, promoting a spirit of togetherness.
The festival coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam's five pillars. Those unable to travel to Mecca often observe the Day of Arafah with fasting and prayer.
Islamic teachings stress that animals must be treated with care during Qurbani. The sacrifice is only expected from those who are financially capable. Donating through a charity is also recognised as fulfilling the obligation.
Families mark the day in their own ways. Some follow age-old recipes, while others involve children in preparing for prayers or decorating animals. In many villages, these simple gestures—like feeding others or distributing books—form the heart of the celebration.