Eid ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is an important Islamic festival celebrated worldwide. This auspicious occasion is observed on the tenth day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah. While the date of Eid ul-Adha varies each year in the Gregorian calendar, this year it is anticipated to be celebrated on June 29, although the precise date may vary based on regional moon sightings. In this blog, we will explore the significance of Eid ul-Adha, the moon sighting date, expected time, and the bank holiday associated with this joyous festival. Eid ul-Adha holds deep religious and cultural significance for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. As the story goes, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. This act represents Ibrahim’s faith and the importance of sacrifice and obedience to God’s will. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar system, which is based on the cycles of the moon. As a result, the dates of Islamic festivals, including Eid ul-Adha, vary each year on the Gregorian calendar. While the Islamic calendar remains consistent, the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used internationally, follows the solar year. Therefore, the exact date of Eid ul-Adha changes annually on the Gregorian calendar. Eid ul-Adha is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Muslim communities worldwide rely on local moon sighting committees or authoritative bodies to determine the exact date of Eid ul-Adha. These committees carefully observe the sky to confirm the sighting of the new moon, which then establishes the start of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is advisable to consult local mosques or Islamic organizations for the most accurate information regarding moon sightings and the confirmed date of Eid ul-Adha in a specific region.Eid ul-Adha is a time of celebration, unity, and gratitude. In many countries with a significant Muslim population, such as those in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, Eid ul-Adha is a public holiday. This allows Muslims to participate in communal prayers, visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and partake in festive meals. It is also a time for charitable acts, as Muslims are encouraged to share their blessings with the less fortunate through the distribution of meat from the sacrificial animal.
