Eid ul Adha 2023: When is Bakrid? Know Moon Sighting Date, Expected Time, Bank Holiday & More

Eid-ul-Adha 2023: Eid-ul-Adha, popularly known as Bakrid is one of the two important festivals of Muslims. It recognises Abraham's (Ibrahim's) determination to offer his son Ishmael (Ismail) as a sacrifice on the word of God. The yearly Hajj pilgrimage to the sacred city of Mecca is concluded with this feast. This year it will be celebrated on June 29.

When is Bakrid in 2023?

The Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, lasts between two and four days and is observed on the tenth day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah. While Eid al-Adha always falls on the same day according to the Islamic calendar, the Gregorian calendar uses a solar year instead of a lunar one, hence the date of Eid al-Adha changes every year.  And this year Eid-Al-Adha will be celebrated on June 29, however, it may vary from region to region.

What are the Key Differences Between Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha?

Eid-Al-Adha 2023 Date in Different Countries

Eid-al-Adha, also known as the feast of sacrifice is a festival of mass.  Each year, Eid al-Adha is celebrated on different dates in parts of the world, because the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the International Date Line.

Bakrid 2023 in India

Bakrid is celebrated with great pomp and fervour in different parts of India. People of the Muslim community Muslims gather in mosques to offer special prayers and listen to sermons. They dress in their finest attire and visit family and friends, exchanging greetings and gifts. A key highlight is the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat, which is later divided into three parts—one for the family, one for relatives, and one for the needy. The festival promotes values of compassion, unity, and generosity, as people share their blessings with others. It fosters familial and social bonds, encourages acts of charity, and strengthens the sense of community among Muslims in India.

Bakrid is a gazetted holiday in India, and a majority of all national, state and local government workplaces shall remain closed or have reduced business hours. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also mention Bakrid as a bank holiday. However, in some parts of the country, banks will be closed on June 28. Check the complete list below:

Banks closed on June 28 will operate normally on Thursday, and those that are closed on June 29 will work normally on Wednesday. Online banking and other transactional services will be accessible immediately and without interruption.

Eid and Bakrid are two terms often used interchangeably, instead of the differences in their meanings. Eid is a collective term that encompasses several celebrations throughout the Islamic calendar, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, while Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son. Thus, Bakrid is a specific celebration within the larger umbrella of Eid festivals, highlighting the significance of sacrifice and obedience.

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