Eid al-Adha (or Bakrid or Bakra Eid in India) is yet another significant Muslim festival in the world. In 2026, uncertainty led to the observance of Eid Al-Adha based on the location of the crescent moon, whether it came on May 27 or May 28 and confusion.
Based on Islamic calendar calculations, many theorized Bakrid would be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. But when the crescent moon was not visible in some regions of the world, religious leaders changed the anticipated date of the festival.
Accordingly, the festival of Eid Al‐Adha celebrated in India is set to occur on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Ultimately, confirmation does rely on moon-sighting announcements by Islamic religious institutions nearer that festival.
Why Did the Date Change?
Muslim people also celebrate Islamic festivals on the lunar Hijri calendar; the month begins only upon the sighting of the new crescent moon. The present Islamic month was extended another day, due to the fact that the moon was supposedly not visible the anticipated night in many countries and regions.
That resulted in the new starting date of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and when Eid al-Fitr changed to date from May 27 to May 28 in India and other parts of the world.
The sighting of the moon differs from country to country according to weather, geographic region and religious background. So Eid dates are differently observed each year around the world, depending on the place.
Significance of Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha is celebrated because it commemorates Muslim beliefs, through the sacrifice and faithfulness of the Prophet Ibrahim, who chose to sacrifice his son in accordance with the Holy Quran (The Message of God). In Islam, God’s word has been said to have intervened, so the sacrifice was replaced by a ram. It is a festival of faith and sacrifice, charity and kindness.
There are special prayers for Eid done in mosques and Eidgahs, and Qurbani, or Animal Sacrifice, is carried out by Muslims around the world. Muslims share the meat amongst their family members, relatives and the poor.
How Bakrid is Celebrated
It starts with prayers and morning visits to relatives. People dressed in a mix of traditional garments prepared festive meals and greeted each other. Give back to those disadvantaged: The event is a service to give back to those who have been abandoned. Lots of time, families give food, clothes and money to people who are affected during Eid celebrations.
The upcoming year, many cities also intend to get local authorities of India to advise on prayers, animal slaughter and sanitation arrangements going into the pre-festival in many parts of India, on preparations in advance.
