Is Eid ul-Adha A Public Holiday in India?
Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid is observed as a public holiday in India, which means almost all schools, academic institutions, universities, teaching centers, organizations, and Islamic schools and offices remain closed on this day. Additionally, banks, post offices, government and private sector organizations and offices remain closed as well on this day.
The day is regarded as a holiday for the general population. Mosques and religious establishments are decorated with full force and huge crowds can be seen gathered all around the area, which can sometimes disturb the traffic. Hence, transport services may operate within a restricted time schedule on this very day.
Eid al-Adha History
Eid al-Adha history holds great significance and commemorates the observance of this holy day. As per the mythological legends, Ibrahim, the messenger of God in Islam, was commanded by God to sacrifice one of the most dearest possessions he owned, his son Isma’il. Known to be a crucial trial, Ibrahim went ahead with the commandment without much thought and prepared to perform the act as per the God’s will. It is mentioned in the scriptures that during this period, the Devil or Shaitan tempted him not to perform the act of sacrifice, and in order to stop, threw pebbles at him.
Undeterred, Ibrahim was fully prepared to carry out this ritual at Mount Moriah and fulfil the commandment of God, even when his own son’s life was at stake. Seeing this, God replaced his son Isma’il with a goat as soon as he was about to sacrifice him. Since that day, animal sacrifice is carried out to commemorate the occasion of intervention.
Qurbani on Eid al-Adha
The purpose of the ceremonial act of Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha is not blood-shedding but showing one’s devotion to Allah. People follow the rituals accordingly and show their love to the One by performing the act of Qurbani. After the sacrifice is over, the meat is divided into three parts, where the first one is for the family, second one for friends and relatives and the last one for the poor and needy regardless of caste, creed, color and religion.
The celebration marks the intervention by God when Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his only son, Isma’il. The celebratory act gives out the message of equality, kindness and devotion.
Eid-ul-Adha Cuisines
Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid means a day full of festivities, delicacies and enjoyment. Some of the famous dishes prepared on Eid ul-Adha include dishes made from the animal meat slaughtered on this day. Since the animal is sacrificed, it is divided into three different parts,one out of which is offered to family and friends as a gift.
Popular dishes on which people gorge include Korma, Kebabs, Haleem, Biryani, Pulao, Meat Curries, Fried Liver, Kokoreç (a Turkish delight) and much more. This is seen as a day of togetherness, where people get together with their loved ones and share their happiness.
Bakrid Celebrations
Bakrid celebrations are carried out with full force and enthusiasm on a massive scale. Ritualistic Eid al-Adha prayers are offered, where people, after performing Wudu (cleansing ritual), offer Namaz at their home or mosque. People wash their hands, feet, and face, wear clean clothes and perform Namaz. After finishing the prayers, people greet each other with Eid al-Adha wishes, embrace their loved ones and participate in the communal feasts.
Muslims remain present when the sermons are offered, after which the act of Qurbani, i.e. animal sacrifice is carried out. In this, an animal, most preferably a goat is sacrificed ceremonially to mark the occasion, and then the meat is distributed among friends, family and needy. Communal feats are one of the significant parts of this day, where people sit together with their loved ones and enjoy the scrumptious meals. Donations and charitable acts are performed on this day, and some people also perform the Hajj by visiting Mecca.
One of the most heartwarming rituals performed on the day of this Islamic festival is offering Eidi. Eidi basically refers to materialistic or monetary gifts offered to the kids and youngests of the family by elders on the day of Eid ul-Adha. Kids, sisters, wives, aunts, mothers, motherly figures etc. are showered with gifts. Even friends are offered Eidi on this auspicious occasion. This sweet gesture imbibes a sense of unity and selflessness, and brings people together in harmony.
Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Mon | 12 August | Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2020 | Fri | 31 July | Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2021 | Tue | 20 July | Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2022 | Sun | 10 July | Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2023 | Thu | 29 June | Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2024 | Mon | 17 June | Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid | Gazetted Holiday |
| 2025 | Sat | 7 June | Eid ul-Adha/Bakrid | Gazetted Holiday |
FAQs
1. How to greet someone on Eid Al Adha?
Eid Mubarak,‘ or Happy Eid Al-Adha can be said to offer Eid wishes on Eid al-Adha.
2. Is Eid Al Adha / Bakrid a bank holiday in India?
Eid Al Adha/Bakrid is a bank holiday in India.
3. What does the festival of Eid al-Adha commemorate?
The festival of Eid al-Adha commemorates the intervention of God when Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his own son without any hesitation in order to fulfil God’s commandment.
4. What do you mean by Dhu al-Hijjah?
Dhu al-Hijjah is known to be the twelfth and the most sacred month in Islamic Calendar. It is the final month in the calendar.
From the above information, it is evident that the festival of Eid al-Adha or Bakrid 2021 in India is observed on Tuesday, 20 July, 2021 with great enthusiasm.
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