Bakrid is celebrated in different countries on varying dates Bakra Eid, Bakrid or Eid-ul-Adha 2018 will be celebrated across India on August 22, the Jama Masjid said on Sunday. The day is dedicated to the great sacrifice made to the Prophet by his devotee signifying his faith and devotion. The significance of Bakra Eid lies in the sacrifice of an animal which is then feasted upon. The animal is gifted to friends and family, distributed among the poor, while, a part is cooked at home. Delicious delicacies are prepared to commemorate this day. Also known as Bakri Eid, Eid al-Adha or the festival of sacrifice is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide with special prayers, greetings, and gifts. The special occasion is celebrated in different countries on varying dates.<doc-sep>Join the Secret Elves to get first access to our exclusive reviews of the must-have products this year Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Whereas the first Eid comes at the start of a month, the second one is almost in the middle of a month. Eid ul Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan when Muslims fast each day. It's followed a couple of months later by Eid ul Adha, which begins on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah - whose name means month of the pilgrimage because it's when the Hajj takes place. Dhul Hijjah - also written as Dhu al-Hijjah - is the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. So when does that start? Here's what we know so far. When is Dhul Hijjah in 2018? Dhul Hijjah had been expected to start on August 12 or 13. It has now been announced as starting on Sunday, August 12. This is just after the partial solar eclipse on Saturday, August 11. This eclipse - when the new moon covers part of the sun - won't be visible in the UK. The Islamic calendar is based on the moon, with months determined by an official sighting of the first crescent of the new moon. The new moon is on August 11 but won't be seen anywhere (except for a piece of it over the top of the sun during the solar eclipse). It was, however, easily visible on August 12. (Image: central-mosque.com) Muslims were asked to look for the first crescent of the new moon on August 12, the 29th day of the existing month of Dhul Qadah. The Central Mosque website asked Muslims to report moon sightings to Wifaqul Ulama, the UK Board of Islamic Scholars based in London, via Twitter or Facebook Worshippers were asked to look out for the moon after sunset. If the moon is seen, then Dhul Qadah is deemed to have ended and Dhul Hijjah begins. If it's not seen, then Dhul Qadah goes on for another day. So what about Eid? With Dhul Hijjah beginning on August 12, then Eid ul Adha will fall on August 21. Eid ul Adha means Festival/Feast of the Sacrifice. It marks the date when Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, to show his devotion. Ibrahim was about to go ahead with the sacrifice when he was given a lamb to slaughter instead. It’s similar to the Christian and Jewish accounts in which God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. The story illustrates devotion to Allah and willingness to accept the command of the Almighty. It's said that the Devil appeared and tried to dissuade Ibrahim from heeding the command. Ibrahim hurled stones to drive the Devil away. And for those on the Hajj pilgrimage at Mecca, this is the day of the ritual of throwing stones at a pillar representing the Devil. The Hajj take place over five days from August 19 to 24, with most Hajj package trips for two to three weeks. The second day of the pilgrimage is called the Day of Arafat. It begins on the evening of August 20 and lasts until the evening of August 21. Key events in Dhul Hijjah Fasting is undertaken for the first nine days of the month. The Hajj is from the 8th to the 12th day of the month - though pilgrims generally travel out to Mecca for two or three weeks. The 9th day is the Day of Arafat (also called the Day of Arafah). Eid ul Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice) begins at sunset on the 10th day and ends on sunset of the 13th day. Fasting is forbidden on this day - instead Muslims traditionally slaughter a domestic animal (usually a sheep, goat or cow) or pay for this to be done. (Image: AP) This symbolises the sacrifice in the original story. British law insists the animal must be killed in a slaughterhouse. A third of the meat is kept by the family, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours, and the final third to the poor and needy. Large family gatherings are often organised, where the sacrificial meat is served. Muslims often go shopping for new Eid clothes a few days before the celebrations, so Islamic retailers hold their biggest sales at this time.<doc-sep>
Eid-ul-Adha is known as the 'festival of sacrifice' and also called Greater Eid (File Photo) Eid-ul-Adha, which is known as the 'festival of sacrifice', is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated as a public holiday in Muslim countries. Eid-ul-Adha for the year 2018 will be celebrated on August 22. During Eid-ul-Adha, a sheep or a goat is sacrificed. This is done in order to remember Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son in order to show that he was obedient to God. On Eid, Muslims wear their best clothes and go to prey in mosques. As a part of their prayers, they thank Allah for the blessings they have received. After the ritual of sacrificing a goat or sheep is carried out, the meat of the goat or sheep is shared among relatives, friends and the poor. They all get a third share. Presents are also given to friends and family on the occasion of Eid. Muslims also undertake the holy pilgrimage to Makkah or Mecca, located in the Muslim nation of Saudi Arabia. Around 2 million Muslims from all over the world come to Mecca and stand before the Kaaba. The Kaaba shrine in Mecca was built by Ibrahim in order to praise Allah. It is said that Muslims must undertake a visit to Mecca at least once in their lives, if possible. Pilgrims in Mecca are known as Hajjis. They wear simple white clothes during their pilgrimage. The clothes are called Ihram and their purpose is to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. They show that in the eyes of Allah, everybody is equal.