New Delhi/Islamabad, August 2: Hilal committees in all states of India, along with their counterparts in neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, will attempt to sight the new moon today. If the crescent is spotted, the month of Dhul Hijjah will begin and Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on August 12. Stay tuned here for the live news and updates on Bakrid date announcement.
Eid al-Adha, also referred to Eid ul Zuha, Bakra Eid and Bakrid, is celebrated on the 10th date of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Today is the 29th date of the preceding month - Dhul Qadah - in all parts of India barring Kerala. If the moon is sighted today, then Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on August 12. If the crescent remains unseen, the festival would be observed on August 13. Eid al-Adha to be Celebrated in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kerala on August 11.
Speculations are rife that the moon will be sighted today, as the crescent has already been spotted in Kerala on Friday. The coastal state, along with all other parts of world sans the Indian subcontinent, will celebrate Bakra Eid on August 11.
Eid al-Adha is a major Islamic festival and is observed by Muslims across the globe. Believers of the faith, who have financial means, are obligated to sacrifice a cattle and distribute its meat among neighbours, relatives and poor, while retaining a portion for themselves.
In Muslim-majority nations, holidays have been declared from the 9th of Dhul Hijjah to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah as part of the festivities. On August 12, a gazetted holiday has also been declared in most states of India.