In the run-up to Bakra Eid 2024, also known as Eid al-Adha, the marketplace is bustling with the buying and selling of animals for sacrifice. Muslims observe this festival to commemorate the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of devotion to Allah. The animal sacrifice, which can be a goat or a sheep, symbolizes obedience and faith.
One notable transaction took place in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. A two-year-old goat weighing 161 kilograms was auctioned off for an impressive 7,50,000. The goat seller, who procured the animal from Rajasthan and had been caring for it for the past year, stressed the importance of proper care for these sacrificial animals.
On the tenth day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-ul-Adha. This year, the festival is expected to fall on June 16 or June 17, depending on the sighting of the moon’s crescent. The celebrations begin with morning prayers at the mosque, followed by the ritual sacrifice.
The meat from the sacrificed animals is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives, and the rest for the poor and needy. The act of sacrifice signifies a willingness to give up something cherished as a demonstration of love and devotion to Allah.
Bakra Eid is also a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate. Traditional dishes such as mutton biryani, mutton korma, and sheer khurma are enjoyed, and alms are given to the less fortunate. The festival is an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the principles of sacrifice, charity, and unity.
