Kolkata, Jul 21 (UNI) The Muslim community in West Bengal on Wednesday celebrated
Eid-Ul-Zuha (Eid-al-Adha), the ‘festival of sacrifice’, with religious fervour and due solemnity.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted the people on the occasion.
This year Eid-Ul-Zuha was celebrated in a subdued manner in the state as people offered
prayers at mosques in small groups and homes by following precautions against the
coronavirus.
Devotees skipped hugging and shaking hands after prayers at mosques to contain the virus spread.
Close to 3 lakh people congregate on Red Road on celebrated Eid-Ul-Zuha every year to offer special prayers. But since 2020, prayers have not been held there as a safety measure to keep the virus in check.
Even though cases have declined — after a surge due to the second wave — Calcutta Khilafat Committee, which organises the prayers every year, has decided not to hold the prayers on July 21.
Earlier, the committee has urged people to offer prayers in small batches in their local mosques following Covid-appropriate behaviour.
All the government offices, banks, business houses and educational institutions were closed for
the day as holiday.
Eid-ul-Zuha, also known as Bakrid, is celebrated worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God.
It is celebrated approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan, which is
celebrated as Eid-ul-Fitr.
The festival comes a day after pilgrims conducting Haj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in
Saudi Arabia, descend from Mount Arafat.
Bakri Id (Bakri Eid) or or Eid ul Adha or Id ul Zuha - the 'Festival of Sacrifice' - is one of the
most celebrated festivals of Islam.
Bakri Id is related to the legend of Prophet Ibrahim who stood the test of God's faith when
asked by God to sacrifice his son Bakri Eid derives its name from the word 'Bakri' or 'Bakhr'
meaning goat, and 'Id' meaning festival.
Celebrated in the Islamic month of Dhu'l Hijja, Muslims sacrifice a goat, sheep, camel, or
any four legged animal to celebrate their strong faith in Allah.
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