Eid-Al-Adha Celebrations Around The World

Festivals are all about spreading joy and happiness and spending time with family and friends. The celebration of sacrifice, Eid-al-Adha inspires a sense of completion. On the 10th day of the Islamic Lunar Calendar’s last month, Dhu-al-Hijjah is considered a holy month for Muslims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. After Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, comes Eid al-Adha, the second Islamic celebration of the year. The day is dedicated to honoring Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything for God.

As per astronomical calculations and Saudi Arabia, the Eid-al-Adha dates are likely to be from Friday, 8 July 2022, to Monday, 12 July 2022. The Eid-al-Adha holidays will begin from 3rd July to 13th July (the dates may vary). This also means that a long weekend is coming on its way.

If you are skeptical about what to do on Eid-al-Adha 2022, here is a list of 10-holiday destinations perfect for a getaway this Eid-al-Adha.

1 Festival and 10 Countries

 

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Unlike Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid al Adha does not need the sighting of the moon. The festival begins on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The UAE government declares a three-day public holiday every year for Eid-al-Adha. 

The day before Eid al-Adha, ‘Day of Arafat,’ is considered the most special day. The day begins with the Eid prayer, after which people greet one another with hugs and wish “Eid Mubarak.”

 

The three-day celebration begins with plenty of food and gifts. Children dress up and distribute Eid biscuits throughout the neighborhood. People decorate their homes and give ‘Eidiyah’ (presents or money) to the children.

 

Türkiye

On the first day of celebration, men typically go to the mosque for a special morning prayer in Türkiye. The sacrificed goat will be covered with henna and decked with ribbons in some areas. Instead of killing animals, some Turks make donations to charitable organizations.

People usually dress well and host visitors to their homes during the Eid-al-Adha holidays or pay visits to relatives and friends. As a symbol of respect, young people kiss the hands of their elderly relatives and neighbors. Some people in Türkiye choose to travel around during this season.

Egypt

The occasion is known as ‘Eid-el-Kibr’ in Egypt. Eid-el Kibr is more significant than Eid ul-Fitr here. Traditionally, the day begins with prayers and a speech, followed by a large family get-together. People gather with friends and family to wish each other ‘Kol Sana wa inta tayeb,’ which means ‘May you be happy every year.’ People distribute ‘Qurbani’ meat generously to the people in need to honor Prophet Ibrahim.

 

Iran

Iranian Muslims visit mosques and perform the Eid prayers, known as Namaz Eid. They will wear traditional dress on this day. Religious writings are also read aloud. In Iran, the festival is also known as ‘Salty Eid’ as they serve a large variety of savories made of beef or mutton. They majorly make dishes like kebabs, haleem, wheat, or barley-based stew with beef. Iranians enjoy baghali, rice with fava, broad beans, dill, and meat meals.

 

India

In India, Eid al-Adha is also known as Bakr-Id because of the ritual of sacrificing a goat or ‘Bakri.’ The day is celebrated by spreading love and joy. People may sacrifice a sheep or goat and distribute the meat to relatives, neighbors, and the needy. Many Muslims consider it a responsibility to ensure that all Muslims around them have meat-based meals during the festival.

Pakistan

While most other countries celebrate Eid-al-Adha for three days, Pakistan observes a four-day holiday for Eid-al-Adha. People begin the day with prayers and speech and then the Qurbani sacrifice. During these days the shop will be closed. They will later distribute the meat among friends and family and to those in need.

 

Bangladesh

Nearly a month before the festival, the sweet shops, gift shops, and textile merchants of Bangladesh began loading their shelves with the items. The holy festival is known as ‘Kurbanir Eid’ or ‘Bakri Eid.’ It is celebrated as both a religious and a festive celebration. For the sacrifice ritual, people choose cows, goats, and buffalos. They will begin the ritual after the Namaz and continue for the next two to three days.

 

Canada

To celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) hosts Eid festivities that include a carnival with rides, entertainment, sports contests, and various ethnic cuisines. Aside from the fact that it is not an official holiday in Canada, certain Islamic organizations may close or offer reduced services. Local traffic congestion may occur around mosques and other locations where Eid al-Adha celebrations occur.

United States of America (USA)

Muslims in the United States celebrate Eid al-Adha with prayers and celebrations. Many Muslims, especially Pakistanis, Eastern Europeans, and Africans, dress traditionally and share their native foods.

Some look for a farm where they can perform the sacrifice, while others donate money to help fund one such ceremony in their hometown. They consider these three days of celebration as a time to pray to God for mercy.

 

United Kingdom of Great Britain (UK)

Muslims in the United Kingdom traditionally begin Eid al-Adha by conducting ghusl, a full-body cleansing ritual. They then wear good clothes and go to a prayer service at a nearby mosque or an outdoor prayer area. Following that, they are expected to hug and wish each other, offer gifts to youngsters, and pay visits to friends and relatives. Some mosques conduct study classes or lectures on Islam and Islamic history as well.

Eid is about a joyful time filled with prayers, presents, gatherings with family and friends, moving past old grudges, celebrating, and creating priceless memories.

Eid traditions and celebrations differ worldwide. Even though the base intention of the day stays the same, many countries have different cultural approaches to this important event. Be it any part of the world, Eid-al-Adha’s ultimate message conveys the importance of spreading love and joy and being there for people, especially those in need and sacrifice. 

We hope Eid brings you love and laughter in your life. Plan your vacation, make your travel bookings with Rehlat and have a memorable Eid-al-Adha.