New Delhi: Syed Shaban Bukhari, Naib Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi has announced that India will celebrate the Eid Al Adha on July 21.
As per the Islamic lunar calendar, millions of Muslims around the world observe Eid al-Adha on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. India celebrates the festival a day after Saudi Arabia, except certain states.
Eid al-Adha also known as 'Bakrid', 'Bakra Eid' or the 'Festival of the Sacrifice' is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year.
The festival commemorates an episode from the Quran (also common to Judaism and Christianity) in which Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) follows Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his son, Ismael (also known as Isaac). Before Ibrahim could carry it out, god intervenes and provides a lamb for the sacrifice.
Many Muslim people take part in the annual Hajj pilgrimage during the Eid al-Adha. But due to coronavirus outbreak the Government of India has decided that no one from India will travel to Saudi Arabia to take part in the Islamic practice of performing Hajj.
Each year, people buy goats or sheep a day prior for sacrifice for commemorating Ibrahim (Abraham) who was to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
The scarified animal is then divided into three parts. One share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home, and the third is given to relatives.