When is Eid ul-Adha 2025 in India: Eid-ul-Adha, commonly known as Bakrid or Bakra Eid, will be celebrated in India on June 7, 2025, following the sighting of the crescent moon. As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, the date of the festival varies across countries. In nations like Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE and Indonesia, Eid-ul-Adha will be observed a day earlier, on June 6.
Eid-ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Since this calendar depends on the moon’s appearance, the exact date can differ by region. In 2025, countries such as India, Nigeria, Morocco, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan and New Zealand will celebrate the festival on June 7.
The essence of Eid-ul-Adha: A story of faith
Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. Just before the sacrifice, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram (male sheep), signifying that it is the intention and devotion that matter most. The act is now symbolised through the ritual of animal sacrifice, reminding believers of submission to divine will, and the importance of faith, charity and community.
Bakra Eid rituals and traditions
The day begins with special prayers at mosques or open grounds, followed by greetings of “Eid Mubarak.” People wear traditional attire and prepare for Qurbani, the sacrifice of a goat, sheep, or buffalo. The meat is then divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives and one for the less fortunate.
Some families donate their entire share to those in need or support NGOs that carry out sacrifices in impoverished regions. These acts reinforce the festival’s core values of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility.
How Indians celebrate Eid-ul-Adha
In India, Eid-ul-Adha is marked by shared meals and interfaith goodwill. Families prepare dishes like biryani, kebabs, korma and sheer khurma, often inviting friends and neighbours to join in the festivities. Greetings of “Eid Mubarak” cross religious and social boundaries, highlighting the spirit of unity.
The festival also coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, one of Islam’s five pillars. While not everyone can travel for Hajj, many observe the Day of Arafah with fasting and reflection.
Islamic teachings emphasise that Qurbani should only be performed by those who are financially able and animals must be treated humanely. Donating through charities is also accepted as fulfilling this obligation.
Each family celebrates in its own unique way—some pass down traditional recipes, others involve children in preparing for prayers or decorating the animals. In rural areas, simple acts like feeding neighbours or giving away books embody the true meaning of Bakrid.
