Bakra Eid, also known as Eid al-Adha or the festival of Sacrifice, is a pivotal celebration in the Islamic calendar, observed with deep reverence and widespread joy by Muslims around the globe. This festival commemorates a profound historical event that highlights themes of faith, obedience, and charity. Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Bakra Eid coincides with the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj. The origins of Bakra Eid are deeply rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his unwavering devotion to God. According to Islamic tradition, God tested Ibrahim’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael). Faced with an immense emotional and moral dilemma, Ibrahim chose to obey God’s command, demonstrating his absolute submission and trust in the divine will. At the critical moment, just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed in place of Ismail. This act of divine mercy and intervention is at the heart of Eid al-Adha’s commemoration. A central aspect of Bakra Eid is the ritual of Qurbani, or sacrifice, where Muslims participate in the symbolic act of slaughtering animals such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels. The choice of animal often depends on regional availability and cultural preferences. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then distributed in three parts: one part for the family, one part for friends and relatives, and one part for the less fortunate. This practice not only honours the memory of Ibrahim’s sacrifice but also embodies the spirit of sharing, generosity, and communal harmony. The preparation for Bakra Eid begins well in advance, with families selecting their sacrificial animals carefully. In many places, such as Bhopal in India, the market for these animals becomes particularly vibrant and competitive. Sellers take great pride in offering well-bred, healthy animals, sometimes fetching prices ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 7.5 lakhs. The high prices reflect the care and attention given to raising these animals, as well as the social and economic importance of the festival. On the day of Eid, Muslims gather for a special prayer service, donning their finest clothes and seeking forgiveness and blessings. The act of sacrifice follows the prayers, carried out with a sense of solemnity and devotion. The distribution of meat ensures that the festival is inclusive, allowing even the less fortunate to partake in the celebration. Bakra Eid is not just a time of ritualistic observance but also a period of reflection on the values of faith, sacrifice, and community. It strengthens bonds among family and friends, fosters a sense of solidarity with the less privileged, and reinforces the moral and ethical teachings of Islam. Through the story of Ibrahim and the practice of Qurbani, Bakra Eid continues to inspire Muslims to uphold the principles of compassion, generosity, and unwavering faith.