When is Bakri Eid in 2026?

Depending on moon sighting, primarily expected on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 in India — with a possibility of 28 May according to some sources; final confirmation comes after the May moon sighting.

Why is Qurbani offered on Bakri Eid?

In remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah; Allah, deeming the test of his obedience complete, sent a ram instead.

What is the difference between Ramzan Eid and Bakri Eid?

Ramzan Eid marks the end of the Ramadan fast; Bakri Eid commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice through Qurbani — the two are separate festivals, with Bakri Eid falling about 70 days after Ramzan Eid.

How is the Qurbani meat distributed?

Traditionally in three equal parts — one's own family, relatives and friends, and those in need — so that everyone receives meat.

Is there a holiday for Bakri Eid in India?

Yes, the central government grants a gazetted holiday; the exact date is officially announced only after the moon sighting.

Bakri Eid (Eid al-Adha)

Bakri Eid (Eid al-Adha) is the second major festival in Islam, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son on Allah's command. In India, the 2026 date depends on moon sighting and is expected primarily on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 — with a small possibility of a one-day shift in some places.

This festival falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, about 70 days after Ramzan Eid. Qurbani (animal sacrifice), the three-way division of meat, and congregational Eid namaz are the defining features of this day.

Significance

According to Islamic tradition, Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail; Ibrahim accepted this command and prepared to carry it out, at which point Allah, having deemed the test of his obedience complete, sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail's place. This event is regarded as a symbol of obedience, sacrifice, and faith.

In remembrance of this, Muslims sacrifice an animal — a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, according to their means. The word "Qurbani" comes from the Arabic root "qurb" (closeness/nearness), and this act of sacrifice is regarded as bringing one closer to Allah.

Who observes it

Muslim communities worldwide observe this festival; in India too it is widely observed, and the Government of India grants it as a gazetted holiday.

How it is observed

Eid namaz: A congregational prayer is offered in the morning at a mosque or Eidgah; it is customary to wear one's best or new clothes.
Qurbani: The animal sacrifice is performed after the prayer.
Meat distribution: The meat from the Qurbani is traditionally divided into three equal parts — one for one's own family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need — so that everyone can share in the Eid meal.
Visits and greetings: Visits to relatives and friends, and exchanging "Eid Mubarak" greetings.

These are common, general practices — details can vary by family, region, and financial means.

Date (this year)

This date cannot be determined from this site's Marathi panchang data — the Islamic Hijri calendar is unrelated to the Marathi months. The exact date depends on the moon sighting at the start of Dhul Hijjah.

Basis	Estimated date (2026)
Astronomical calculation and DrikPanchang	Wednesday, 27 May
Government of India's provisional gazetted-holiday list	Wednesday, 27 May
An alternative possibility in some places (lower confidence)	Thursday, 28 May

Astronomical calculation and the official government list agree on 27 May 2026, so that should be treated as the primary date. One secondary source has suggested a possibility of 28 May in some places — this is a minority view, though it cannot be entirely ruled out. The exact date is confirmed only after the moon sighting.

The Government of India lists this as a gazetted holiday for central government offices, but regional differences in moon sighting mean the actual date can shift by a day in some parts of India.

Good to know

The date changes every year — check it afresh each year.
The description of Qurbani here is kept neutral and factual; this is a tradition of another faith, and it helps to understand it respectfully, in its own terms.
Information on the sibling festivals Ramzan Eid and Eid-e-Milad is also available on this site.

FAQ

When is Bakri Eid in 2026?: Depending on moon sighting, primarily expected on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 in India — with a possibility of 28 May according to some sources; final confirmation comes after the May moon sighting.
Why is Qurbani offered on Bakri Eid?: In remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah; Allah, deeming the test of his obedience complete, sent a ram instead.
What is the difference between Ramzan Eid and Bakri Eid?: Ramzan Eid marks the end of the Ramadan fast; Bakri Eid commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice through Qurbani — the two are separate festivals, with Bakri Eid falling about 70 days after Ramzan Eid.
How is the Qurbani meat distributed?: Traditionally in three equal parts — one's own family, relatives and friends, and those in need — so that everyone receives meat.
Is there a holiday for Bakri Eid in India?: Yes, the central government grants a gazetted holiday; the exact date is officially announced only after the moon sighting.