As the holy month of Dhul Hijjah nears, anticipation for Eid-ul-Adha, commonly known as Bakrid, is building across the Muslim world. Often referred to as the "Festival of Sacrifice", this significant Islamic holiday is deeply tied to the lunar calendar, with the exact date determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon.
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Why moon sighting matters
Eid-ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the appearance of the crescent moon signals the beginning of a new month. Hence, the sighting of the moon marks not only the start of Dhul Hijjah but also determines the exact day Bakrid will be celebrated.
In Saudi Arabia, where the Hajj pilgrimage takes place, the Supreme Court has called on people to look for the crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, May 27, 2025. If the moon is sighted, Dhul Hijjah will begin on May 28, Arafat Day will be observed on June 5, and Eid-ul-Adha will fall on Friday, June 6, 2025.
However, if the moon is not visible that night, the month will start a day later, pushing the Eid celebrations to Saturday, June 7, 2025.
When is Bakrid 2025 in India?
India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other South Asian nations follow local moon sightings, which are typically a day behind Saudi Arabia's. In these regions, the crescent moon is expected to be sighted on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Bakrid 2025 dates based on the moon sighting:
If moon is visible on May 28: Dhul Hijjah will start on Thursday, May 29 and Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2025
If moon is not visible on May 28: Dhul Hijjah will begin on Friday, May 30 and Eid-ul-Adha will be observed on Sunday, June 8, 2025
