Eid-al-Adha 2024: When is Eid 2024 and significance of the festival

Eid-al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is the second-most important festival for Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid-al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of the Dhu al-Hijjah (the twelfth month of the lunar calendar).

Muslims celebrate this day by honouring the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son and his dedication to Allah. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated after the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca.

Hajj is considered very auspicious in Islam. It is said that all Muslims who are financially and physically able must go on this journey once. A popular belief in Islam is that individuals who return from Hajj are rewarded with heaven after death.

What does Eid-al-Adha celebrate?

Eid-al-Adha is a joyous occasion for Muslims across the globe. It marks the spirit of unity and brotherhood among all Muslims. The sermon given during Eid-al-Adha fosters values such as sacrifice, obedience towards the Almighty and compassion for one another.

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How is Eid-al-Adha Celebrated?

To honour the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Muslims sacrifice cattle, usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel. This meat is then divided into three parts; one for the family, one for relatives and friends and the third part for those not well-to-do. People dress up in their finest clothing and celebrate this day with their friends and family. A grandspread is prepared that includes dishes like sheer khurma, seviyan, biryani and many other delicacies. Eid-al-Adha reiterates the importance of community, compassion and empathy in one's life.

When will Eid-al-Adha be celebrated in 2024?

Determining the exact day of Eid-al-Adhadepends on when the moon will be spotted and the month, Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar) will commence.

This year, Muslims in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, etc saw the crescent moon on June 6 and the month of Dhul Hijjah beganon June 7. So, Eid-al-Adha will be celebrated on the tenth day of the month, June 16, 2024.

The South Asian nations including India, Pakistan, Malaysia etc. spotted the crescent moon on June 7 and will celebrate Eid on June 17, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)