Eid-al-Adha 2021: Know date, significance and how it's celebrated

New Delhi: This year Muslims will celebrate Eid-al-Adha on Wednesday (July 21) in India. However, it will be celebrated a day earlier (July 20) in Saudi Arabia. The special day is also known as Bakrid or 'The Festival Of Sacrifice'. It is considered to be the second of the two most important Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year.

The first one being Eid-al-Fitr, and the second one Eid-al-Adha—it is considered the holier of the two. The festival of Eid-al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah as per the Islamic lunar calendar.

As per the Gregorian calendar, Eid-al-Adha dates may vary from year-to-year drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.

Significance

Eid-al-Adha festival marks and revers the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. According to the Quran, it is said that before Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham could sacrifice his son, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.

In commemoration of this, Muslims across the world sacrifice a male goat and divide it into three parts: one-third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is retained by the family.

The poor and needy are fed the food, thereby providing them with an adequate portion. Sumptuous food items and delicacies are prepared at home and guests are welcomed.

Eid celebrations and prayers

Usually, devotees visit the mosque to offer Eid al-Adha prayers which are traditionally performed after the sun has completely risen up. After offering prayers, many Muslims visit each other's homes, exchange greetings and give one another gifts to celebrate the festival. However, social gatherings such as these may not be feasible due to COVID restrictions in many areas.

Here's wishing our readers an Eid Mubarak!