Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) 2027
Monday, 17 May 2027 (in 189 days)
Rule: 10 Dhu al-Hijjah (Islamic calendar); may change with the sighting of the moon
Islamic calendar: the date can move by a day when the moon is sighted, and the government then notifies the change.
Other years: 2026: Wednesday, 27 May
Holiday status
- Central Government offices
- Gazetted holiday: Central Government offices closed (DoPT list), Saka date Vaisakha 27.
- Banks (RBI)
- The RBI has not published its 2027 bank holiday list yet.
Id-ul-Zuha, widely known in India as Bakrid or Eid-ul-Adha, is a major nationwide Islamic festival that honors devotion, submission, and spiritual sacrifice. Observed on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, it also marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Good to know
Id-ul-Zuha is a Gazetted central public holiday across India. Central and state government offices, banks, stock exchanges, post offices, and educational institutions remain closed, though public transport operates as usual.
History
The historical roots of Id-ul-Zuha trace back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who received a divine command in a vision to sacrifice his most cherished possession. Demonstrating supreme faith and obedience, Ibrahim agreed to offer his son, Ismail. Upon seeing Ibrahim's unwavering devotion, God intervened through an angel and instructed him to sacrifice a ram in place of his son.
To commemorate this act of obedience and devotion, Muslims across the world perform a ritual sacrifice during the festival. In India, where goats (known as 'bakra' in Urdu) are most commonly offered, the festival came to be colloquially termed Bakrid, alongside its formal Arabic names Id-ul-Zuha and Eid al-Adha.
How it is observed
On the morning of Id-ul-Zuha, worshippers dress in new attire and gather at local mosques or open-air Eidgahs for special congregation prayers and sermons. Following prayers, families perform the ritual animal sacrifice (Qurbani), adhering to guidelines where the meat is shared in three equal portions: one third for the impoverished and needy, one third for extended family and neighbours, and one third for the household. Families gather to enjoy elaborate festive meals featuring mutton biryani, kebabs, and traditional desserts like sheer khurma, while elders distribute monetary gifts known as Eidi to children.
Facts
- The name Bakrid is a uniquely South Asian term formed by combining the Urdu word 'bakra' (goat) with 'Eid' (festival).
- The Arabic title Id-ul-Zuha derives from 'Uzhaiyya', which translates directly to sacrifice.
- Because the Islamic calendar relies on moon sightings, the festival's date moves earlier by approximately 10 to 11 days each year on the Gregorian calendar.
- Charity is central to the festival, with religious guidelines requiring at least one-third of the sacrificial meat to be distributed to underprivileged members of society.
Questions about Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid)
Why is Id-ul-Zuha called Bakrid in India?
It is widely referred to as Bakrid because goats ('bakra' in Urdu) are the predominant sacrificial animals chosen by Muslim households in India for the occasion.
How is the exact date of Bakrid decided in India?
Bakrid falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. The official date in India is confirmed by regional moon-sighting committees after observing the crescent moon.
How long do the celebrations for Id-ul-Zuha last?
While the primary public holiday is observed on the main festival day, religious observances and Qurbani rituals can continue over the following two days, known as the days of Tashreeq.
Source: DoPT O.M. dated 03.07.2025 (2026) and 16.07.2026 (2027)