Bakrid or Eid-al-Adha 2024 will be observed on Monday, that is, June 17. However, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and other Arab states along with the UK, US, and Canada sighted the Eid al-Adha crescent moon on the evening of June 06, 2024. Bakrid celebrations in these countries will commence on June 16, 2024.
Eid al-Adha or Bakrid, as the name suggests, has an animal at the core of its symbolic importance. The sacrificial ram is what the festival is named after.
But, what makes the sacrificial ram so important? Let’s find out.
When is Bakrid celebrated?
Eid-al-Adha, the second most auspicious Islamic festival, also known as Eid-ul-Zuha and more commonly, as Bakrid, marks the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth and the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar).
It falls on the fourth and the last day of the Hajj (the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, religiously mandated to be taken up once in an entire lifetime).
The day of Eid al-Adha conventionally starts with a special namaz at the mosque, followed by the sacrifice of the animal. Now, it is this sacrifice that provides food for the feast (symbolically), and therefore, the epithet- “the feast of sacrifice”.
Tale of Unquestioned Faith
The sacrifice of the ram or the male goat is central to the festivities. It is the reenactment of the Prophet Ibrahim’s giving away of his son to be sacrificed – all because Allah commanded it. According to Islamic legend, Prophet Ibrahim had a dream that was more of a beckon from Allah himself to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (or Ishmael).
Exuding an unquestioned faith in Allah, Ibrahim prepared to carry out the command but just at that moment, Allah, impressed by his pure devotion intervened and sent Jibrail (Angel Gabriel) to replace Ismail with a ram. Ismail was, therefore, saved, and belief in the almighty was preserved for centuries to come.
This sets the tone for the festival- which is more of contemplative than the celebratory Eid-al-Fitr. Contemplative, also because, the meat of the goats, sheep, lambs, buffaloes, etc. is then shared with the needy.
A Festival of Culinary Marvel
Generally, the feast is divided into three portions- one for the needy, one for the friends and acquaintances, and the last for one’s family. And, yes, you guessed it right- the feast is so expansive and exhaustive that it lasts for three to four days later.
Although the recipe and the regional nuances differ a little, the staple delicacies include mutton biriyani, chapli kebab, mutton paya, mutton korma, bhuna gosht, haleem, galauti kebabs, and a lot more. To top it with a decadent sweetness, desserts ranging from shahi tukda, firni, kheer to sevai (vermicelli) are made for complementary servings.
Celebrations across India
In India, the festival is celebrated with utmost joy and hustle-bustle that can be spotted in the cattle markets before the day of Eid-al-Adha.
It is that time of the year when people go above and beyond their limits to show their generosity by sharing meals and gifts with the poor, besides their friends and families.
Some specific mosques have served as grand venues for holy congregations of Indian Muslims like the Jama Masjid in Delhi, the historical site of Eidgah, Aasar – E – Shareef Hazratbal, Jamia Masjid and Pathar Masjid in Jammu and Kashmir, Charminar in Hyderabad, Asifi Masjid and Aishbagh Eidgah in Lucknow a.k.a ‘city of nawabs’ and Minara Masjid and Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai.
People offering namaz on Bakrid at Jama Masjid, Delhi. (Source: ANI)
A patient morning namaz, a warm embrace to wish friends and families, a steamy hot meal of several scrumptious meat delicacies, and the aroma of crisp new clothes together best characterize Bakrid celebrations in India.
A cross-continental delight
- In the Middle East and North Africa, Eid-al-Adha is a major public holiday in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco. While the United Arab Emirates (UAE) goes a level beyond, granting public holidays for at least three days, of which the day before Bakrid, that is, the ‘day of Arafat’ is considered the most important. In Morocco, applying henna on the two horns of the sacrificial animal is believed to be a good omen.
- Dubai residents will get the chance to spend quality time with their families on the occasion as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has announced that the dates of the Eid Al Adha holiday for the private sector will be from Saturday, June 15, to Tuesday, June 18. However, one paid holiday is given to mark Arafah Day which falls on Saturday, that is, June 15.
- In Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia celebrate the festival with great pomp and enthusiasm. They call it Hari Raya Haji or Hari Raya Aidiladha.
- Celebrations across the West can be seen in the form of community gatherings and potlucks. In the UK, Birmingham’s Small Heath Park witnesses the largest congregation of Muslims in Europe every year on the occasion. On the other hand, American Muslims gather in the Brown Convention Center of Houston, Texas to offer prayers, organized by the Society of Greater Houston (ISGH).
- In the West too, the tradition of charity finds resonance. The Islamic Centres funded by the wealthy distribute gifts or ‘eidi’ and food among the poor.
- This Bakrid, let’s open up our hearts, and probably a few inches of our denim waistlines for the unbelievably delicious culinary fete the festival promises!
- It’s time to sit with our families and enjoy a blissful barbeque night, albeit with a mind contented with the godly act of charity – an integral part of Bakrid festivities.
- We, at Galaxy Freight, wish you, with a bowed head and a lifted crescent palm – Eid Mubarak!
Celebrate Bakrid with Us
Galaxy Freight general cargo services will be inactive on Monday as the offices across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Belapur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, New Delhi, Panvel, and Thoothukudi will remain closed, to observe the auspicious day.
And, we are quite sure that some of our valued members will be availing extra leaves on Tuesday and Wednesday as well, on the pretext of spending time with family and friends (yes, dear valued members, we are sure you won’t see Mr. Fardeen Malbarwala the next day!)
Nevertheless, our time-critical team will not budge from its place as they tirelessly work to assist you with anything and everything while also celebrating Eid! To avail of our exemplary time-critical services, email us at timecritical@galaxyfreight.com.
As per the regional regulations of UAE, the Dubai office is supposed to remain closed from June 15 to June 18 and we dearly hope they don’t feel reluctant to get back to work after that!
This Bakrid, renounce the sense of ‘ownership’ in you. Let go of your earthly attachments – your most prized possessions- because, in the end, every thing belongs to Allah!
