Thiruvananthapuram, Sunday, November 6, 2011: The festival of sacrifice, Bakrid also known as Id-ul-Adha will be observed tomorrow with great festivity and enthusiasm. This was announced by Imarat-e-Sharaiyah-Hind after a meeting of Ruyat-e-Hilal Committee after sighting the Friday moon.

Bakrid is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son on Allah’s command.

According to Islamic belief, Allah wanted to test Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice his son Ismail. He agreed to do so, but found his paternal feelings hard to suppress.

So, he blindfolded himself before putting Ismail at the altar on Mount Mina, near Mecca. When he removed his blindfold after the sacrifice, he saw his son standing in front of him. On the altar lay slaughtered a lamb.

It is in honour of this test of faith that Muslims around the world sacrifice animals on the occasion to show their faith in Allah.

The state government has declared public holiday tomorrow as per the Negotiable Instruments Act. On November 8 all educational institutions, including professional institutions, would be closed. The holiday would be applicable to PSC and university examinations