27 Or 28 May? When Will Bakra Eid Be Celebrated In India? Here’s What Moon Sighting Updates Say about Eid-Ul-Adah 2026

According to moon sighting committees and religious authorities in India, the crescent moon for Dhul Hijjah which decides the day for Eid, was reportedly not sighted on the evening of May 17. As a result, Eid-ul-Adha is now expected to be celebrated across India on Thursday, May 28 this year a day after the other countries.

Why Are India and Saudi Arabia Celebrating on Different Dates?

Eid-ul-Adha follows the Islamic lunar calendar meaning the festival date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. Since moon visibility is different for every other country, Islamic festivals usually fall on separate dates across regions. Saudi Arabia confirmed the view of the Dhul Hijjah moon earlier and decided on May 27 as the day for Eid. However, since the moon was not visible in India on the same evening, that change shifted Bakra Eid to May 28 in India leading to a delayed celebration.

What is Eid-ul-Adha?

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice is celebrated with a lot of happiness and love across the world, showing respect to the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son’s life as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic belief, God later replaced his son with a sheep before the sacrifice took place.The festival is one of the most significant occasions in Islam and is observed with prayers, charity, family gatherings, and the ritual of Qurbani. Muslims across the world begin the day with special Eid prayers, followed by gatherings with relatives and loved ones.

Preparations Begin Across Markets

With the festival just around the corner, markets are decorated beautifully across several Indian cities and people witness heavy crowds. People shop for clothes, decorations, sweets, and animals for Qurbani. Shops sell traditional attire, perfumes, dry fruits, and festive essentials. Homes are cleaned and decorated ahead of the festival, while mosques and Eidgahs are prepared for large prayer gatherings. Special dishes including biryani, kebabs, and sevaiyan are also prepared during the occasion to further add to the festive atmosphere in several households across the country.

Significance of Qurbani and Charity

One of the central rituals of Eid-ul-Adha is Qurbani, or sacrifice, performed after Eid prayers. The meat is traditionally divided into three parts, one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the needy. Beyond celebrations and festive meals, Eid-ul-Adha also carries a strong message of humanity, sacrifice, and generosity. Many people donate food, clothes, and essentials to those in need during the festival. Community groups and local organisations in several areas also organise food distribution drives so that more people can take part in the celebrations.The occasion is also seen as a time for togetherness, as families and relatives come together to celebrate and reconnect.

Final Eid Date in India

As of now, religious authorities and moon-sighting committees indicate that Bakra Eid in India will most likely be celebrated on May 28, while Gulf countries are expected to observe the festival on May 27. The local announcements by regional committees will remain important for the final confirmation. With preparations going in full swing across markets and neighbourhoods, the festival is expected to be marked with prayers, celebrations, and acts of charity across the country.