Eid is an occasion of joy and peace, where people celebrate with their families, let go of past grudges and make meaningful connections with one another. Around the world, Eid traditions and festivities vary and many countries have unique cultural approaches to this important festival. The pandemic is not going away any time soon and just like last year, the Bakra Eid celebrations will also have to follow the coronavirus-prevention rules. One of the most significant festivals in Islam. Had the virus not taken such a catastrophic form, the festival would have witnessed large celebratory gatherings and prayers in mosques, with communities coming together to have a hearty meal. However, the pandemic is still here and hence people are advised to keep their festivities low-key.
Eid Qurban or Qurban Bayarami, it marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This year, the crescent moon for the Zul Hijjah was sighted on July 11, as per Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. This means that Bakrid will be celebrated on July 21 in India. However, in Saudi Arabia, it will be celebrated a day earlier on July 20, 2021.
Eid al-Adha is called Id-ul-Adha in Arabic and Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent, because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakri'. It is a festival that is celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety in India. Many Muslims wear new clothes and attend an open-air prayer meeting during Id-ul-Zuha. They may sacrifice a sheep or goat and share the meat with family members, neighbors and the poor. Many Muslims feel that they have a duty to ensure that all Muslims can enjoy a meat-based meal during this holiday.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, let us hope we can leave behind these challenging times together for a period of happiness, compassion, and peace. Eid Mubarak!