Bakrid 2026 will be observed on 28 May across much of India following the sighting of the crescent moon on 18 May, which began the Islamic month of Zil Hijja. The festival, also known as Eid al-Adha, falls on the tenth day after the sighting. Muslim organisations including Imarat-e-Sharia Hind and the Shahi Imams of Fatehpuri Mosque and Jama Masjid confirmed the three-day celebrations will start on 28 May rather than 27 May.
The occasion marks Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God, with a ram offered in the boy’s place. Communities mark the day by performing animal sacrifices.
The central government has declared 28 May a public holiday for all administrative offices nationwide. The personnel ministry stated that offices in Delhi and New Delhi will close on that date instead of 27 May.
In West Bengal, the state government revised its earlier two-day holiday for 26 and 27 May, limiting the public holiday to 28 May only. Both earlier dates will now be regular working days.
Kerala has announced a two-day holiday on 27 and 28 May for all government offices, public sector units, and educational institutions.
Jammu and Kashmir will observe Bakrid on 27 May in line with local moon-sighting practices and celebrations in Saudi Arabia and other West Asian countries.
