Why is it celebrated?
Bakra id, also known as id-ul-zuha is a significant religious festival of the Muslims. It is known as the “greater eid”. On this day, people must share their fortune with the less fortunate ones. Also, Muslims undertake pilgrimage to Hajj on this auspicious day.

Importance:
Bakra eid is a festival of sacrifice, to remember the sacrifices of prophet Ibrahim. Legend says that Ibrahim had a dream, and Allah had asked him to sacrifice is beloved son Ismail to test his faith. Ibrahim blindfolded himself and sacrificed his son on the altar at the Mount of Mina, which is situated near Mecca. God had intervened and replaced Ismail with a sheep to sacrifice instead, touched by Ibrahim’s devotion. His willingness to sacrifice his own son Ismail to obey God was a great deed, which must be remembered by one and all. This incident has led to the ritual of sacrificing an animal on this day.

How is it celebrated?
This day is marked by sacrificing animals as an act of devotion to Allah. After this, the meat of the animals is distributed amongst the poor. On this day, an Islam follower is required to sacrifice something dear to him, like Abraham. This is also the day when the Quran was completed; hence the day is spent in spiritual activities. The act of sacrificing animal provides food to the poor and also commemorates the noble act of Abraham. A four-legged animal like goat, sheep or camel is sacrificed. The festival is celebrated for 3 days, during which people wear new clothes, offer prayers at the mosque and greet each other.