Eid al-Adha 2025 Moon Sighting Today: When Will Bakrid Be Celebrated in India?

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or the Festival of Sacrifice, is being celebrated in India today, Saturday, 7 June 2025. The date was confirmed following the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

In 2025, the moon was sighted in South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh on the evening of Wednesday, 28 May. This sighting marked the start of Dhul Hijjah on Thursday, 29 May. Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th day of this month, is therefore observed in India on 7 June.

In contrast, countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Indonesia, where the moon was seen a day earlier on 27 May, are celebrating Eid al-Adha on 6 June 2025.

Why the Date Varies

The Islamic calendar is lunar, and months begin with the sighting of the new moon. This means the date of Eid al-Adha changes each year and can differ from country to country. The festival occurs around eleven days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, in India, the date may sometimes be adjusted to prevent a clash with other religious holidays.

The Significance of Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to God, who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience. The sacrifice symbolises submission to Allah’s will and reminds the faithful of the importance of charity, humility, and togetherness.

On this day, Muslims offer special prayers, carry out ritual animal sacrifice (qurbani), and distribute the meat among family, neighbours, and those in need. The celebration also includes preparing traditional dishes such as biryani, kebabs, sheer khurma, and korma. Families exchange greetings and visit each other, sharing festive meals and warm wishes.

How India Celebrates Bakrid

In India, Eid al-Adha is observed with prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, often held shortly after sunrise. Festivities include community gatherings, food sharing, and acts of generosity. Despite religious differences, many communities come together in the spirit of harmony and celebration.

Hajj and the Day of Arafah

Eid al-Adha also coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. Those who are not on the pilgrimage may observe the Day of Arafah, which falls a day before Eid, by fasting and offering prayers.