How Is Eid-ul-Adha Celebrated Around The World? Discover Unique Traditions!

Eid-ul-Adha, known as Bakrid in India, signifies the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Celebrated by Muslims across the globe, this festival is a time for sacrifice, devotion, and the sharing of blessings.

The date of the celebration varies annually, as it is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, Eid-ul-Adha is being celebrated in India on June 16, while in Saudi Arabia, it is observed a day earlier on June 15.

Eid-ul-Adha: Discover Unique Traditions Around The World

Unlike Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha is a more solemn festival that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice everything, including his son, to obey God's command. While the fundamental traditions of the festival-such as performing prayers, sacrificing an animal, and distributing meat to those in need-remain consistent, the way Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated varies across different regions, each adding its own unique cultural nuances, as reported by Times Now.

Middle East and North Africa

In the Middle East and North Africa, Eid-ul-Adha is a significant public holiday, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco. The celebration typically begins with morning prayers, after which an animal, often a sheep or goat, is sacrificed. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government declares a public holiday lasting at least three days, with the most important being the day before Eid-ul-Adha, known as the 'Day of Arafat.'

In Morocco, a distinctive tradition involves applying henna to the horns of the sacrificial animal, a practice believed to bring good fortune. Families come together for communal festivities and exchange 'eidi' or gifts. Additionally, it is common in some regions to visit cemeteries to honour deceased relatives during the festival, as reported by Times Now.

South Asia

In South Asia, Eid-ul-Adha, often referred to as Bakrid, holds profound significance. In India, families typically sacrifice goats or sheep and prepare special dishes such as biryani, which is a staple for the festival, and sheer korma, a sweet vermicelli pudding. Pakistan experiences a similar festive spirit, with bustling cattle markets and families making traditional desserts like sewaiyan, another form of sweet vermicelli.

Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore celebrate Eid-ul-Adha under the names Hari Raya Haji or Hari Raya Aidiladha. The day is marked by prayers, sermons, and the sacrifice of animals. Unlike Eid al-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha is observed in a more reflective manner, where Muslims gather at mosques for communal prayers, and the meat from the sacrificed animals is distributed among the needy, as per media reports.

Europe and America

In Europe and North America, Muslim communities come together to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with a strong sense of unity. Mosques in these regions are filled with worshippers who attend special Eid prayers. Community gatherings and potluck lunches, featuring a variety of traditional dishes from different cultures, become the highlight of the celebrations. These multicultural events not only honour the festival's traditions but also celebrate the diverse heritage of the families involved, adding a personal touch to the festivities.

Eid-ul-Adha, thus, is celebrated with diverse traditions across the world, each reflecting the unique cultural practices of the region while honouring the core values of sacrifice, devotion, and sharing inherent to the festival.