Muslim community to celebrate Bakar Eid on Saturday

KATHMANDU: Muslims across the world, including in Nepal, will celebrate the grand festival of Bakar Eid—also known as Eid al-Adha—on Saturday.

Bakrid is regarded as the second most significant Islamic festival after Eid al-Fitr, which follows the holy month of Ramadan.

The festival is observed on the 70th day after Ramadan, and is a time for spiritual reflection, charity, and sacrifice.

During this occasion, economically able Muslims also undertake the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

A key ritual of Bakar Eid is the act of Qurbani—the sacrifice of permitted animals such as goats, sheep, or cows—to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and obedience to Allah.

According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), at the age of 90, was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail as a test of faith.

As he prepared to comply, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram from paradise, pleased by Ibrahim’s unwavering submission.

The story behind Bakar Eid is deeply rooted in this act of sacrifice and ultimate divine mercy. It is said that Prophet Ibrahim, having long prayed for a child, vowed to offer a sacrifice if granted one.

When tested by Allah, he sacrificed animals, but it was only when he prepared to offer his son that Allah accepted his devotion.

Today, Muslims around the world commemorate this event by sacrificing animals and distributing the meat into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, another third to relatives and friends, and the final portion is kept for the household.

Preparations are underway in the Muslim community as believers gear up to celebrate this sacred festival with prayers, sacrifice, and sharing.

Since Islamic festivals follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, Bakrid shifts by around 10 days earlier each year, completing a full cycle every 36 years across all seasons.