Eid-ul-Adha 2025: Will the Holiday Be on June 6 or 7? Date, History, Significance, and Traditions Explained

As the Islamic world prepares for one of the most revered religious observances—Eid-ul-Adha, also called the Feast of Sacrifice or Bakrid—questions around the exact date of the festival this year have been circulating widely. Here’s everything you need to know about the date, historical background, and the significance of this sacred occasion.

Eid Holiday in India: June 6 or June 7?

In 2025, Eid-ul-Adha will be observed on Saturday, June 7 in India. The day before, Friday, June 6, will be marked as Arafat Day—the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah—considered the holiest day in the Islamic calendar. Eid celebrations typically follow Arafat Day, which aligns with the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia is expected to celebrate Eid a day earlier, India and other South Asian countries will observe it on June 7, depending on moon sighting.

The History Behind Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha finds its origins in a profound act of faith, narrated in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat, verses 99–113). It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to God’s command. As the story goes, Ibrahim was ready to carry out the sacrifice when, by divine intervention, his son was replaced with a ram, symbolizing God’s mercy and Ibrahim’s unshakable devotion.

Why Eid-ul-Adha Matters

Beyond its historical roots, the festival is deeply symbolic. It represents values such as selflessness, devotion, generosity, and compassion. Observed during the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, it highlights spiritual reflection, unity, and community support. It is customary for Muslims to offer special prayers in the morning, followed by the ritual animal sacrifice, typically of a goat, sheep, buffalo, or camel.

Traditions and Celebrations

Eid-ul-Adha is marked by communal prayers, family gatherings, and the distribution of meat from the sacrifice. One-third is shared with the needy, one-third with relatives and friends, and the remaining portion is kept for the household. The day is also filled with gift exchanges, festive meals, and a strong emphasis on charitable acts.