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Bakrid:- One of the most popular festivals celebrated by the Muslims all over the world is Bakrid or Bakra Eid. The festival is also called as Eid-Al-Adha or Eid-ul-Zuha. After religiously fasting for 30-days during Ramzan with much fervor and excitement, the Mohammedans celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr.

This festival is celebrated with much grandeur and excitement on the 10th or 12th month of Dhul Hijjah, as per the Hijri calendar or the Islamic calendar. The festival commemorates the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was ready to sacrifice his first born on God’s command, and later sacrificed a sheep as per God’s instructions. Animals like goat, sheep, cow or camel are sacrificed on this day. It is a day of feasting and visiting with friends and family. The festival is celebrated after the Hajj pilgrimage.  

This year, Eid-al-Adha or Bakra Eid will be celebrated this year on 2nd September, 2017.

Significance and History of the Festival

The origin of the festival of Bakrid has been described in Islamic traditions. It is believed that God challenged Prophet Ibrahim, a friend of the God and father of Prophets. He challenged the Prophet to prove his faith in God and asked him to sacrifice something dearest to him. Prophet Ibrahim decided to give away his 13 year-old son Ismail as a gratitude to God on his command. However, looking at this gesture, God intervened by sending his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel), who then put a sheep in his son’s place. From that day onwards, people commemorate this festival by sacrificing an animal, which is then divided into three parts. These three parts are then distributed - one part is given to the relatives, friends and neighbors; second part to the poor and needy; and the third kept with themselves.

Other Names Of Bakrid

The proper name for Bakrid is Id-Al-Adha. Since goats (bakri) are sacrificed during this festival, hence it is known as Bakrid. It is also called Qurbani meaning sacrifice.

The Rituals Of Bakrid

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Bakrid is celebrated with lot of ceremony all over the country. It is especially observed in the city of Hyderabad. The rituals of the festival are as follows:

- The day begins with Muslims dressing up in new clothes and visiting the mosque. There, they perform dua or prayers for peace and prosperity of all.

- Takbir is recited before and after the prayers.

- Sacrifice is the most important aspect of Bakrid. Animals like goat, sheep, cow and camel are sacrificed. The animals must meet certain standards of perfection and the sacrifice is carried out in accordance with the religious laws.

- Wealthy families are expected to provide one animal for sacrifice while if the family is poor, seven or seventy families can contribute to sacrifice one animal. Two thirds of the meat is distributed to the poor and one third is retained by the family for consumptions.

- After the prayers, alms are given to the poor.

- People visit with each other and exchange greetings of Id Mubarak. They visit houses of friends and relatives to celebrate Id.

- Feasts are prepared throughout the day. Everybody is made a part of the festivities. Special delicacies are prepared to celebrate Bakrid. In addition, gifts are also exchanged.

Feast

A festival cannot be complete without delicious food; after all different delicacies are the essence of any occasion. Bakra Eid has some special feasts that make it even more exciting. Some of the delicacies that are prepared during this festival may include Mutton Biryani, Bhuni Kaleji, Mutton Korma, Mutton Keema, Chapli Kebab, Ghosht Haleem and Kheer.

SUPRAJA