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Eid Al-Adha 2018: Date, significance, wishes, worldwide celebrations and more

News Nation Bureau New Delhi Updated on: 22 Aug 2018, 10:40 AM

More than two million Muslims from across the globe on Wednesday took part in the celebration of Eid al-Adha, or popularly known as Bakra Eid (Bakrid), the 'Festival of Sacrifice', the last major ritual of the hajj pilgrimage that heralds the start of the Eid al-Adha feast. Muslims men, women and children step out in all their finery and offer prayers at Idgah ground across the world.

Date:

As per the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah but the date varies every year and shifts 11 days from the previous one. Eid al-Adha marks the final day of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage Muslims are required to undertake to Makkah once in a lifetime. Some Muslims observe this Eid for three days.

Read | Violence marks Bakrid celebration in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag

Significance:

The festival commemorates the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his 10-year-old son Ishmael in order to prove his obedience to Allah. God, however, sent his angel to Abraham and asked him to sacrifice an animal instead of his son.

Hence, on this day, Muslims around the world sacrifice one of their dearest animals for their beloved Allah and prove their utmost love and devotion for Allah.

Post that, a feast is prepared out of the offerings and is divided into three parts. While the first part is distributed among family, friends and neighbours, the second part is for the poor and needy. The last part is prepared for the immediate family.

Going by the tradition, anyone should not be left hungry on this Sacrificial Feast.

Read | Delhi: Bakrid holiday for central govt offices on August 23

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Eid al-Adha, hoping that the festival of sacrifice would deepen the spirit of compassion in the society. "Best wishes on Id-ul-Zuha. May this day deepen the spirit of compassion and brotherhood in our society," Modi tweeted.

Read | Eid Mubarak! Shah Rukh Khan, AbRam's cute selfie on this festive season will take your heart away! See in pic

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First Published : 22 Aug 2018, 09:58 AM

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