Eid-ul-Adha 2023: Know when is Bakri Eid celebrated in different countries

Eid-ul-Adha 2023: The holy festival of Eid ul-Adha, also known as the 'festival of sacrifice' or Greater Eid, is celebrated on June 29 while in some countries on June 28. 

It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. However, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram as a substitute, symbolizing the ultimate act of devotion and mercy.

Eid ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, following the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. It lasts for four days and is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends to celebrate and worship.

What is Bakri Eid?

The festival of sacrifice, brotherhood, and happiness Eid ul-Adha also known as Bakri Eid is celebrated globally every year. It is considered one of the holiest and most significant events in the Islamic calendar.

The festival also symbolises devotion, obedience, and selflessness.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023: Etymology

The word ‘eid’ is an Arabic word which means festival or celebration whereas the word ‘adha’ is the synonym of sacrifice/offering.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023:History

The history of Eid-ul-Adha is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and has its origins in the Abrahamic faith.

The history dates back to the popular story in Islamic tradition of Prophet Abraham sacrificing his son for the sake of obedience. The event symbolizes the significance of faith, sacrifice and trust in God’s will.

As per the Islamic tradition, Ibrahim received a command from God in a dream, instructing him to sacrifice his son as a test of his devotion. Ibrahim, a prophet and a patriarch, believed in the command and prepared to carry out the sacrifice. As he was about to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute for the sacrifice, sparing Ismail's life. This event is seen as a profound demonstration of Ibrahim's faith and submission to God.

Eid al-Adha in Different Countries

Bakri Eid is celebrated on different dates in different countries due to the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the International Date Line.

In Saudi Arabia, people are celebrating Eid on June 28, 2023 whereas in countries like India, Japan, Morocco, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei and other South Asian nations the celebrations can be seen on June 29, 2023.

How folks celebrate Eid in India

Bakri Eid is celebrated with great pomp and show in India. Muslims residing in India, gather in the mosques to offer prayers and listen to sermons. They start their day by sacrificing a goat which is later divided into three parts- one for the family members, one for the relatives and other one for the needy. People show their joy by dressing in beautiful attires and also by visiting their friends and relatives to exchange gifts and greetings.