Bakrid 2026: Eid al-Adha to be celebrated in India on May 28, announces Jama Masjid Shahi Imam
Eid-ul-Adha is traditionally observed ten days after the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the Islamic month.
Bakrid, also known as Eid-ul-Adha, is likely to be celebrated in India on May 28 this year after the crescent moon was not sighted on Sunday evening. The announcement was made by the Jama Masjid Shahi Imam, who said the moon is now expected to be visible on Monday.
As per the Islamic calendar, Eid-ul-Adha is observed ten days after the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah.
Why the moon sighting is important?
In Islam, the start of every new month depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. The moon of Dhul Hijjah holds special importance because it also marks the beginning of preparations for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Muslims across the world closely follow the moon sighting announcements during this period as the dates for Hajj and Eid-ul-Adha are linked to it.
Hajj preparations begin in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has already started preparations to welcome thousands of pilgrims arriving from different countries for Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia had earlier appealed to people to observe the crescent moon either with the naked eye or through binoculars and telescopes. Those who spot the moon have been asked to report their sightings to the nearest court.
Significance of Eid-ul-Adha
Dhul Hijjah is the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest periods in Islam. Eid-ul-Adha, also called Bakrid, is celebrated during this month and is marked by the ritual of Qurbani, or sacrifice.
The festival symbolises faith, devotion and sacrifice, and is observed by Muslims around the world with prayers, charity and family gatherings.