Devotees gathered across the country to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Eid al-Adha, Eid Qurban, or Qurban Bayaram, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s dedication to Allah.

This is the second major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims after Eid-ul-Fitr. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha and wished that the festival “inspires everyone to work towards furthering the spirit of collective well-being and prosperity for the good of humankind".

Leaders including defence minister Rajnath Singh, President Ram Nath Kovind, Arvind Kejriwal, Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani extended their wishes to the citizens on Twitter. Members of the Muslim community who are offering services to pilgrims during the Amarnath yatra offered namaz at Baltal Base Camp on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

The members also held a special prayer for those who lost their lives in the cloudburst recently. The Masjid committee also offered to help pilgrims who need assistance. BSF (Border Security Force) and Pakistan Rangers exchanged sweets at the Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of the festival. Security has been heightened around Eidgah, Kanpur as devotees offer namaz.

Devotees also offered prayers on the occasion of the festival outside Bandra station in Mumbai. Several devotees also gathered at Eidgah Jammu on Sunday to offer prayers. Every year, the date of the festival changes as it is based on the Islamic lunar calendar – which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar.

Eid Al Adha celebrations in Jaipur: Muslims offering prayers at the Idgah Masjid. Photo courtesy: Pallav Paliwal

Eid Al Adha celebration in Amritsar: Muslim devotees Muslim boys hug each other after offering prayers. Photo courtesy: Pallav Paliwal

Eid Al Adha celebration in Delhi: Devotees gathered at the Jama Masjid to offer namaz. Photo courtesy: Pallav Paliwal

Eid Al Adha celebration in Srinagar: The biggest congregational Eid prayers were held at Dargah Hazratbal on the banks of Dal Lake. Photo courtesy: Pallav Paliwal

Eid Al Adha celebration at Agra: Muslims from all over the city arrive at Taj Mahal to offer namaz at the royal mosque. Photo courtesy: Pallav Paliwal

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