Eid al-Adha 2026: Crescent sighted in Kashmir; when will bakrid be celebrated in india and saudi arabia?

Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid. The event is considered one of the most revered holidays in Islam and pays tribute to the willingness of Ibrahim, the Messenger of Islam, to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing a goat as a symbol of the sacrifice made by Ibrahim. Families feast on goat meat and also distribute it to the poor.

Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Zil Hajj, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, with Arafat Day being commemorated a day earlier. It is also the time of the Hajj, a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for followers of Islam.

Bakrid date in India, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of the crescent moon Zil Hajj on Sunday, marking the start of the Islamic month. Consequently, Monday 18 May 2026 will be observed as the first day of Zil Hajj1447.

“The crescent moon has been sighted in Saudi Arabia for Zil Hajj 1447. Subsequently, the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah will begin tonight and Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 in shā Allāh every lifting. their journeys and bring them home with forgiveness as on the day they were born Aameen,” wrote Haramain Info on X.

The crescent moon was not sighted in India, meaning the festival will be celebrated a day later, on Thursday 28.

“Eid ul-Adha prayer will be offered at Eidgah, Lucknow on May 28, 2026,” said Chairman of the Islamic Center of India and Markazi Chand Farangi Mahal Committee, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli said.

In Kashmir, local clerics said that the crescent moon was sighted on Sunday, hence Kashmir will celebrate Eid al-Adha with Saudi Arabia this time, which is on May 27.

Meanwhile, Malaysia and Indonesia have announced that the first day of Eid al-Adha will be May 27.

Why is Eid al-Adha significant in Islam?

The festival is not just about sacrifices; it has a deeper relevance and meaning. It symbolizes generosity, advocates charity and the values of compassion, humility and gratitude. Coinciding with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca – one of the five pillars of Islam – Eid al-Adha commemorates Ibrahim’s sacrifice, celebrates unity and solidarity. Muslims traditionally celebrate the holiday with morning prayers at the mosque, followed by an animal sacrifice — usually a goat, sheep, buffalo or camel. On this day, Muslims exchange gifts and greetings, hold grand feasts and distribute meat to relatives, friends and family, as well as the needy and less fortunate.

Bakrid feasts include mutton biryani, mutton korma, mutton keema and bhuni kaleji. Desserts include pure kurma and kheer.