People celebrate Bakrid with devotion across India amid tight security
New Delhi, May 28
Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is being celebrated with deep religious fervour and enthusiasm across the country on Thursday, as thousands of devotees gathered at mosques and Eidgahs from early morning to offer special prayers and mark one of the most significant festivals in Islam.
Large congregations of worshippers were witnessed at several places across the country, with people dressed in traditional attire participating in prayers and exchanging greetings with family members, friends, and neighbours.
Worshippers said the festival carries a message of "brotherhood, communal harmony, and peaceful coexistence", while also reminding people about compassion, sacrifice, and charity.
Authorities made elaborate security arrangements in several cities to ensure that celebrations passed off peacefully and law and order were maintained during the festivities.
In the national capital, Delhi Police deployed heavy security arrangements around the historic Jama Masjid area on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
People entering the mosque premises were allowed only after thorough security checks as part of precautionary measures taken to ensure public safety and maintain order during the celebrations.
Eid al-Adha, widely known as Bakrid in India, holds immense religious significance for Muslims across the world. The festival commemorates the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. The occasion symbolises unwavering faith, obedience to God, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, sacrifice, and charity.
Families gathered to celebrate the festival with prayers, festive meals, and acts of kindness, while many people also distributed food and extended help to the underprivileged as part of the spirit of the occasion.
While Bakrid was celebrated in most parts of India on Thursday, some regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir, observed the festival on Wednesday.
As with other Islamic festivals, the date of Eid al-Adha depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, religious authorities in several parts of India confirmed that the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon was not sighted on the expected evening. As a result, the beginning of the Islamic month shifted by a day, leading to Bakrid being celebrated on May 28 in most states across the country.
— IANS
Reader Comments
In my colony in Mumbai, we had both Hindu and Muslim neighbours exchanging sweets and greetings. That's the real spirit of India - celebrating our diversity while respecting each other's traditions. The essence of Bakrid - sacrifice, charity, and brotherhood - is something we all can learn from. 🙏
Bakrid Mubarak! The festival's message of sacrifice and compassion is universal. However, I wish the media would cover these celebrations with the same enthusiasm as it does Diwali or Holi. Our country's strength lies in celebrating all festivals equally. Need for more balanced representation imo.🇮🇳
Living in Delhi for 5 years now, and I must say the security arrangements were very professional today. From a foreigner's perspective, it's impressive how seamlessly India manages such large religious gatherings. The atmosphere around Jama Masjid was electric - people from all walks of life coming together. Well done, Delhi Police! 👍
As someone who grew up in Lucknow, I miss the old charm of Bakrid when our Muslim friends would invite us over for the feast. It's heartening to see that tradition still continues in many parts. The article rightly emphasizes brotherhood and communal harmony - we need more of that today. Eid Mubarak! 🌙
Good to see thorough security but hope it doesn't create unnecessary harassment for common people. I remember last year my uncle was made to wait over an hour at the gate despite having valid ID. The festival is about devotion, not about proving your identity repeatedly. But overall, glad to see peaceful celebrations nationwide. Bakrid Mubarak!
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