A Day of Faith, Sacrifice, and Sharing
On June 7, 2025, Muslims across India came together in large numbers to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, the festival that honours Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid-ul-Adha is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. Families dressed in festive attire gathered early in the morning to offer special prayers and commemorate the spirit of devotion, selflessness, and charity that defines this day.
This sacred festival coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, a religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able. Eid-ul-Adha is not just a ritual celebration; it symbolizes the importance of sacrifice for the greater good, of caring for others, and of reaffirming faith in divine wisdom.
Eid Prayers Draw Massive Crowds Across India
The day began with special congregational prayers held in mosques and open grounds across the country. In Delhi, thousands assembled at the historic Jama Masjid, where the scene was a vibrant mix of devotion and community spirit. Similar gatherings were reported from Lucknow’s Aishbagh Eidgah, Mumbai’s Byculla and Bandra mosques, and Hyderabad’s Mecca Masjid, where people offered prayers shoulder to shoulder, reflecting the unity of the festival.
One of the largest prayer congregations was reported from the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, where over 50,000 devotees gathered. Former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti were also present at the gathering, marking the occasion with a message of peace and togetherness. Despite tight security arrangements in some parts of the region, the celebration went ahead peacefully, radiating a sense of communal harmony.
Sacrificial Rites and Community Sharing
At the heart of Eid-ul-Adha is the act of Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, which is carried out in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey God’s command. After the morning prayers, families across the country performed this ritual by sacrificing goats, sheep, or cattle in accordance with Islamic tradition. The meat was then divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for those in need.
But the sharing went far beyond meat. Many families and charitable organizations used the occasion to distribute clothes, food, and financial aid to underprivileged communities. Streets in cities like Bhopal, Patna, Chennai, and Jaipur saw volunteers and youth groups organizing donation drives and food distribution programs, giving the festival a deeper, socially inclusive meaning.
Festive Markets and Culinary Traditions
In the run-up to the festival, markets in major Indian cities saw a sharp spike in footfall. Streets in Old Delhi, Kolkata’s Zakaria Street, and Mumbai’s Mohammed Ali Road buzzed with shoppers buying traditional attire, spices, perfumes, and sweet delicacies. Butchers, bakers, and local chefs also reported brisk business as people lined up for their Eid feasts.
From biryani and kebabs to sheer khurma and seviyan, homes across India turned into kitchens of culinary celebration. Families welcomed guests with hearty meals and desserts, turning the festival into a day of joy, bonding, and cultural expression.
Political Leaders Extend Festive Greetings
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed their greetings to the nation. President Murmu emphasized the festival’s role in promoting harmony, compassion, and the spirit of togetherness. She stated that Eid-ul-Adha reminds people of the importance of caring for others, especially those in need.
Prime Minister Modi posted on social media: “Greetings on Eid-ul-Adha. May this day inspire us all to uphold the values of brotherhood, unity, and compassion. Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating!” Similar messages were shared by leaders across the political spectrum, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, reflecting the cross-cultural appreciation of the festival’s message.
Celebrations in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast
In Jammu and Kashmir, Eid was celebrated with traditional zeal. Despite tight security in certain areas, there were no reports of untoward incidents, and the focus remained on prayer and community. The Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha extended his greetings, noting that festivals like Eid help build “bridges of harmony and goodwill.”
Meanwhile, in India’s north-eastern states, including Assam and Manipur, Muslim communities celebrated the day with equal fervour. Community leaders in Guwahati highlighted how local Hindu and Christian neighbours often join Eid meals, further underscoring the region’s interfaith harmony.
Conclusion: A Festival of Togetherness and Faith
Eid-ul-Adha 2025 was marked by a nationwide outpouring of devotion, sacrifice, and community bonding. While the rituals and feasts added joy to the day, the deeper values of the festival: compassion, generosity, and submission to divine will, stood out in every corner of the country. In a time where social and political divisions often dominate the headlines, the celebrations offered a powerful reminder of India’s enduring spirit of unity in diversity.
As families came together to pray, share, and celebrate, Eid-ul-Adha once again lived up to its message, that true devotion lies not just in ritual, but in reaching out to others with open hearts.
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