Bakri-Id

There are various festivals in the Muslim calendar. But Bakriid or Id-ul-Zuha is one of the most celebrated festivals among Muslims all over the world. It is a day of sacrifice for the Muslims. According to legends. It all started with a dream in which Allah directed the patriarch Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail. It was Ibrahim's faith in Allah and his son's faith in his father that were on test. Before performing the sacrifice Ismail tied a cloth around his father's eyes. But when Ibrahim opened his eyes he found his son safe and sound. In his place lay a dead dumba or ram. It is in honour of this test of faith that Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal on the occasion of Id-ul-azha to show their allegiance, faith and sincerity towards Allah. In India the Muslims mainly sacrifice the goat, which is why the occasion is spoken of in Urdu as Bakhr or Bakri-Id. The festival is to celebrate the strong faith of those devoted to Islam.

The festival coincides with the anniversary of the day when 'Quran' was declared complete. It is from when many Muslims undertake Haj to Mecca and people offer prayers in mosques. On the day of Id, the pilgrims reach the grounds of Mina where they sacrifice an animal each. It was here that Ibrahim is believed to have sacrificed his son. The pilgrims then shave their heads. The purpose is to be one with the millions of devotees who converge to Mecca each year for the Haj. The sacrificial meat is distributed after the ceremony among friends and family members. Special delicacies and sweets are prepared on the occasion. The celebration of Bakri Id starts from the tenth to the twelfth day in the Islamic month of Dhu'l Hijja. On the Id day people wear new clothes, offer prayers, and visit each other and exchange greetings. There are special prayers, which take places on the three days of Id. Ceremonial prayers, and feasts are part of this festival.

Id-ul-Fitr

Id Ul Fitr is a festival that marks the end of the Ramzan period, and usually falls on a new moon night, in the month of April or May. Ramzan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar. According to legend, the Holy Koran was revealed in this month. Ramzan is thus regarded as highly auspicious month and fasting and prayers mark it. Muslims keep a fast every day during Ramzan. The rituals associated with Id and Ramzan have remained unchanged for centuries. Muslims throughout the world and in India observe fast throughout this month and eat and drink only in the night. All types of entertainments and ceremonies are shunned during this period as it is exclusively meant to dedicate oneself to Allah and show devotion by prayers at all the prescribed times, reciting Quran and celebrating nights with feasts and family get- together. Eid is the time for celebration and marks the happiness or festivity for the men and women who follow the doctrines of Islam. On the day of the festival Muslims gather in large groups at mosques, and offer their prayers or namaz. Id is one of the most important sacred festivals in the Muslim religion. Muslim people from all strata of the society dress up in new clothes to celebrate Id with great enthusiasm. Everybody greet each other on this day. Special dishes are prepared on this day to mark the festive occasion. Women prepare delicious sweetmeats at home, and vermicelli kheer (sweetened milk) is a popular dish.

People also do a lot of charity on this auspicious day as a part of the festive rituals. Muslims in India give gifts in kind or cash to the needy and poor. The first Eid of the year is known as 'Eid-al-fitr' meaning 'breaking the fast'. The reason behind keeping fast during Ramadan refers to the legend of the Prophet Mohammed who left Mecca and undertook the journey to Medina in 622 AD, to join the other Muslims who had migrated to Medina to escape persecution in Mecca. During this period, he fasted for three days. Many years later, He was to receive a revelation from God, which stated that all followers of the Islam faith fasted for a certain number of days. According to Islamic belief fasting helps to develop self-control and a means of coming closer to Allah. It purifies one's soul. The festival is a day of joy and thanksgiving. The Muslims with great fanfare celebrate it. In India even Hindus also participate in the celebration.