Eid al-Adha 2026 date: Is Bakrid on 27 or 28 May? Moon sighting update
Bakrid 2026 in India is expected to be observed on May 28, pending the official moon sighting. The date may differ across countries because Eid al-Adha follows the Hijri lunar calendar.
Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid or Bakra Eid, is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. The festival is observed based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which means the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon.
In 2026, many people are confused about whether Bakrid will be celebrated on May 27 or May 28. Here’s what the latest moon sighting updates suggest.
Also read: Why are Bakrid and Eid-al-Fitr celebrated differently? Key details explained
WHY THERE IS CONFUSION OVER THE DATE
Islamic festivals follow the Hijri lunar calendar, where months begin after the crescent moon is sighted. Since moon visibility can vary from country to country, the date of Eid may differ across regions.
This is why some calendars are showing May 27 while others are mentioning May 28 for Bakrid 2026.
EXPECTED DATE OF BAKRID 2026 IN INDIA
According to current astronomical calculations, Eid al-Adha is expected to be observed in India on May 28, 2026. However, the final confirmation will depend on the official moon sighting closer to the festival.
If the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah is sighted earlier, some countries may celebrate the festival on May 27 instead.
WHAT IS EID AL-ADHA?
Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The festival symbolises faith, devotion and charity.
Muslims celebrate the occasion by offering prayers, performing Qurbani (sacrifice), sharing food and spending time with family and friends.
HOW THE MOON SIGHTING DECIDES THE FESTIVAL DATE
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, unlike the Gregorian calendar used in daily life. Religious authorities and moon sighting committees officially announce the beginning of Dhul Hijjah after observing the crescent moon.
The date of Bakrid is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah.
BAKRID CELEBRATIONS IN INDIA
Across India, people celebrate the festival by attending Eid prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, preparing traditional dishes and distributing food among relatives and the needy.
Popular dishes prepared during Bakrid include biryani, kebabs, korma and sevaiyan.
People are advised to wait for the official moon sighting confirmation from religious authorities before finalising celebration plans. Since the Islamic calendar depends entirely on lunar observation, dates can slightly vary between countries and regions.