Eid-ul-Zuha Celebrations in India | How to Celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha at Home

Eid-ul-Zuha, popularly known as Bakra Eid (‘Bakra’ means a goat) is a traditional festivals of the Muslims. Bakra Eid means the “Feast of Sacrifice”. This festival is celebrated with full enthusiasm across India and other parts of the world on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the Islamic month according to the lunar Islamic calendar. This festival is known as Bakra Eid because on this day, goats are slaughtered and are provided as offerings to the Allah.

Story
There is a very interesting story which states the significance of Bakra Eid and Ibrahim’s belief in the Almighty. The story goes like this; once, Allah challenged his friend and the Father of Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim to prove his faith in Allah. For this, Allah asked him to sacrifice the dearest and nearest one in his life. Ibrahim accepted the challenge and decided to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Even though it was a heartening decision to see his son die in front of his eyes, he had put his son on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca and raised a sharp sword to cut his son’s throat. While reciting the name of Allah, Ibrahim beheaded his son. However, when he opened his eyes, to his surprise, his son was standing hail and hearty in front of his eyes. Instead, a goat was lying beheaded in front of him. Ibrahim emerged as a winner as he showcased complete faith in Allah. Due to this reason, on this day, Muslims sacrifice animals (goats and sheeps).
Apart from this, the festival marks the completion of the Haj (a holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia). This festival holds a great significance for the Muslims as on this day, the holy Quran was also completed.

Traditional Celebrations
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha, people wake up early and wear new clothes and proceed towards the mosque to offer Eid prayers (Dua). After offering the prayers, people indulge in lavish breakfast primarily comprising of sheer korma or sevaiyan, following which, they move ahead to slaughter a four-legged animal, like goat, sheep, lamb, cow, camel etc. Also, as per the customs, the meat is supposed to be divided into three equal parts, wherein the first part is consumed by the family members, the second part is distributed in relatives, neighbours & friends, whereas, the third portion is given to the poor and deprived people.
Also, as per the rituals, any Muslim who possesses gold worth 400 grams or more or who can easily afford two meals a day, is required to perform a sacrifice or Qurbani.

How to celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha at home?
• Dress up in new traditional clothes, offer Dua & recite the name of Allah, at the Mosque.
• To keep up the celebration mood in full swing, invite your relatives and friends at your place to celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Zuha together.
• Prepare special delicacies such as mutton biryani, mutton gosht etc., especially the sheer korma or sevaiyan, a savory dish customary to be prepared on this occasion.
• Brighten up your home by decorating it with lights.
• Tell your children the story behind Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations.

This year, Bakra Eid falls on the 27th of October. So, celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha, the festival of sacrifice while reciting the name of Allah.