Kathmandu: Muslims across Nepal are celebrating Bakr Eid (Idul Zuha) today, one of the most important festivals in Islam, with mass prayers, animal sacrifices, and acts of charity.

The festival, which falls 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, began with early morning prayers at mosques and open prayer grounds (Idgahs), including major centers like the Nepali Jame Masjid in Durbarmarg and the Kashmiri Masjid.

Bakr Eid commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command. As the story goes, Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead—a moment remembered today through the ritual slaughter of permitted animals like goats, sheep, and cattle.

“This festival reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to surrender to Allah,” said Maulana Rahmat Ali, a religious scholar, highlighting its historical and spiritual roots.

The festival is celebrated for three days, during which Muslims are encouraged to sacrifice animals, with the meat divided into three parts—one for the poor, one for relatives and friends, and one for the family itself.

Hajj Connection and Pilgrimage Support
Bakr Eid is closely tied to the Hajj pilgrimage, considered the spiritual pinnacle of Islamic life. For those unable to travel to Mecca and Medina, the Hajj Committee Secretariat, under Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, facilitates pilgrimage support and airfare arrangements.

Cultural Significance in Nepal
Despite being a religious minority, Nepal’s Muslim community observes Bakr Eid with vibrant community gatherings, charitable acts, and public participation. Recognizing this, the government has declared a public holiday today.

According to Mansur Hussain, secretary of the Nepali Jame Masjid, the tradition of sacrifice spans all three days of the festival, with rituals continuing until Monday.

Bakr Eid not only marks devotion and sacrifice but also reflects the values of generosity, community, and spiritual reflection deeply embedded in Islamic tradition.