The crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH was sighted in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening, May 17. Following the moon sighting, Monday, May 18, was declared the first day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, in Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Kuwait.
According to the Islamic calendar, the Day of Arafat will be observed on May 26, while Eid Al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid or Bakrid, will be celebrated across Middle East countries on May 27.
When Will Bakra Eid Be Celebrated In India?
In India, however, the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah was not sighted on Sunday evening, May 17. Following this, Eid Al-Adha is likely to be celebrated on Thursday, May 28.
The announcement regarding the moon sighting was made by the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid. As per the Islamic lunar calendar, Bakrid is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, nearly 10 days after the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the month.
Dhul Hijjah is considered one of the holiest months in Islam and also marks the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The first 10 days of the month hold special religious significance, with many Muslims observing additional prayers, fasting and charitable acts during this period.
Significance Of Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and devotion. On the occasion, Muslims offer special prayers and perform Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of animals, with the meat distributed among family members, relatives and to poors.
Also Read | Bakra Eid 2026 Date: When Is Eid Al-Adha in India, Saudi Arabia and UAE?.
The festival also highlights the values of charity, compassion and community participation. Markets across several cities in India usually witness increased activity ahead of the festival, especially in the livestock trade, clothing and food items.
Hajj 2026 And Day Of Arafat
The month of Dhul Hijjah is also closely linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam. The key rituals of Hajj begin on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah, while the Day of Arafat, considered the most important day of the pilgrimage, falls on the 9th day of the month.
Pilgrims gather at the plains of Arafat to offer prayers and seek forgiveness. Muslims across the world who are not performing Hajj often observe fasting on the Day of Arafat. The Day of Arafat is on May 26.