How Do Muslims in India Celebrate Bakri Id and Other Festivals with Such Fervor?

Muslim Festivals in India

Muslims in India observe all the Islamic festivals celebrated in other parts of the world. In addition to the festivals, the days commemorating shrines in India and the death anniversaries of saints are also observed with religious fervor. All the Muslim festivals and observances in India follow the Islamic calendar, which has fewer days than the solar year. Therefore, each year, the dates of Muslim festivals keep changing. The important Muslim festivals celebrated in India include Ramzan (Ramadan), Muharram, Id-e-Milad, and Bakr-Id. The celebrations of these auspicious occasions are marked by special prayers offered in mosques, fasting, feasting, and the exchange of wishes.

Ramzan: The Most Important Festival

The most important Muslim festival in India is Ramzan, which extends through the Islamic month of the same name. It acquires the character of a nationwide fair, with Muslim areas becoming bright and lively towards the evening and remaining awake almost throughout the night. Throughout the days of celebrations, people following Islam observe a stringent fast, which is broken only at dusk after offering prayers to the Almighty. There is a fixed timing for every ritual performed during the festivals. People from other communities enthusiastically take part in the merrymaking, which represents the unity in diversity prevalent in India.

Celebrations and Observances

All the prominent Muslim festivals are celebrated with religious fervor in India. Ramzan holds a special place in the calendar of events. A holiday is declared in educational institutions and government offices on the occasion of Ramadan. Bakra-Eid, known as the 'feast of sacrifice', is celebrated from the tenth to the twelfth day in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Celebrated after the fasting month of Ramzan, Ramadan encompasses a number of rituals performed at specific times. Muharram commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain. Go through our related section to know more about Muslim festivals celebrated in India.

Celebration of Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)

The Festival of Id-ul-Zuha, or Bakrid, is celebrated with great enthusiasm among Muslims all over the world. The day typically begins with men and women dressing in their best outfits and proceeding towards the mosque.

On Id-ul-Zuha, a special 'Dua' (prayer) is recited by thousands of Muslims for peace and prosperity. The wealthy are expected to sacrifice one animal per family and distribute two-thirds of the meat among the poor. For those who cannot afford it, one animal per family can be offered. In cases of extreme poverty, seven or seventy families together may offer one animal. A full-grown camel, cow, goat, or sheep, free from disease, is considered the best offering. The sacrifice can be offered at any time before the afternoon of the third day. In India, goats and sheep are sacrificed across the country, and prayers are offered.

Following the food sacrifice and charity to the poor, Muslims greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" and visit the houses of relatives and friends. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion. Gifts are also exchanged on this auspicious day.