Eid-ul-Adha 2025 Moon Sighting: When Will Bakrid Be Celebrated in India?

As the holy month of Dhul Hijjah approaches, millions of Muslims worldwide eagerly await the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the start of Eid-ul-Adha (also called Bakrid, Eid al-Zuha, or the Feast of Sacrifice). In 2025, the crescent moon sighting will determine the exact date of this deeply significant festival.

🗓 Key Dates for Eid-ul-Adha 2025

Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia: May 27, 2025 (Tuesday)

Start of Dhul Hijjah (if moon sighted May 27): May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)

Arafat Day: June 5, 2025 (Thursday)

Eid-ul-Adha: June 6, 2025 (Friday)

If the moon is not sighted on May 27, the festival will be observed a day later:

Moon Sighting (India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and other South Asian countries): May 28, 2025

Eid-ul-Adha: June 7 or 8, 2025 (Saturday or Sunday)

🌍 Regional Variations in Celebration

Different countries follow local moon sightings to fix the date of Eid-ul-Adha. In India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, and Brunei, the crescent moon is expected on May 28, leading to Bakrid celebrations on June 7 or 8. This variation explains why the festival may be observed on different days across the globe.

📜 The History Behind Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) profound devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) to obey Allah’s command. According to Islamic tradition, just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a lamb, sparing his life. This act of faith is why the festival is also known as the “Day of Sacrifice.”

✨ Spiritual Significance of Bakrid

Bakrid isn’t just about animal sacrifice — it symbolizes deep faith, selflessness, and charity. On this day:

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts:

For the poor and needy

For relatives and friends

For the family at home

The festival emphasizes compassion, equality, and community bonding, ensuring no one is left hungry and that everyone shares in the joy and blessings.

Additionally, Eid-ul-Adha marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, the annual holy journey to Mecca that Muslims undertake as an act of devotion.

🔭 Moon Sighting: How Is the Date Decided?

In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court urges moon watchers to spot the new crescent moon and report it officially, which then determines the festival date. India and other countries follow their own moon sightings, which sometimes results in slight date differences.

Stay tuned for official announcements as Eid-ul-Adha 2025 approaches, and prepare to celebrate this beautiful festival of sacrifice, faith, and generosity with your loved ones!