Muslims across India are observing Eid-al-Adha on Monday, June 17, with prayers and traditional festivities. The occasion, also known as Bakrid or the ‘festival of sacrifice’, holds significant religious and cultural importance.
In Delhi, worshippers gathered at Jama Masjid and in Mumbai at Mahim’s Makhdoom Ali Mahimi mosque to offer prayers marking the occasion. Leaders and dignitaries including Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended their greetings, emphasizing the festival’s message of sacrifice and unity.
#WATCH | Delhi: Devotees offer Namaz at the Jama Masjid on the occasion of Eid Al Adha festival. pic.twitter.com/OnufmNVisx
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan expressed, “May the celebration which glorifies the spirit of sacrifice and everlasting faith in the Almighty, inspire us to remain united through love, compassion and kind deeds that strengthen our fraternity and social harmony.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlighted the festival’s significance in fostering mutual love and unity, stating, “An egalitarian society is possible only if we can love selflessly and extend a helping hand to others.”
In Delhi’s Meena Bazaar near Jama Masjid, preparations for Eid-al-Adha included bustling markets with ‘Bakra Mela‘, where goats priced at ₹25,000 and above were available for sacrificial rituals. Similarly, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, prices for sacrificial goats ranged from ₹50,000 to ₹7.5 lakh, reflecting the festive spirit and traditions observed across regions.
Security measures were heightened in several states including Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, with police patrols and restrictions in place to ensure safety during the celebrations. Hyderabad Police also tightened security and urged adherence to government guidelines.
Eid-al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice as an act of obedience to God and marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The festival underscores the values of sacrifice, unity, and compassion within the Islamic community and beyond.
As Muslims gather to celebrate Eid-al-Adha, the spirit of togetherness and cultural heritage continues to resonate across India amidst prayers, festivities, and acts of charity.