Eid al-Adha known also as Bakrid, is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims and Druze worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son, as commanded by Allah. (Muslim tradition names Ishmael as the son who was to be sacrificed, whereas the Judeo-Christian tradition names Isaac.) It is one of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Quran. (Muslims in Iran celebrate a third, non-denominational Eid) Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon (khu?ba). It is also called the “bigger” Eid because it is considered more important than Eid ul-Fitr.

Eid ul-Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for two to three days or more depending on the country. Eid ul-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.

All over Kerala, the Muslim community celebrates Bakrid, the great celebration. It usually falls on the tenth day of Lunar year.

The celebration is conducted in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to kill his only son Ismail by the command of God. When he was about to kill his son, God send a goat inside of killing him. As a remembrance of this act Muslims sacrifices a goat or Bakr (Urdu).

As per the Islamic belief, Ibrahim took his son to Mount Mina to perform this act. God was testing his faith and found Ibrahim to be trust worthy. Since the incident took place in Mount Mina near Mecca, a lot of people from Kerala flock to this place known for Haj Pilgrimage. All over Kerala on this day, is echoed with the declaration of Muslims- Allahu Akbar that means God is Great. All Muslims rise up in the morning with a great festive mood and reciting the same. They celebrate their day in the morning by gathering in the mosques where the Imam recites prayers and gives talks on how to go on with the commandments of God and lead a holy life like Ibrahim.

In all Muslim homes of Kerala, people celebrate the fete with great enthusiasm preparing mouth-watering meals, offerings greetings, paying visits to the dear and near ones, engage themselves in dancing and singing and more. Promoting brotherhood and affection to the fellow people and thereby showing the gratitude towards God that is what all Muslim celebrations bring about.