Festivals of Kerala - Bakrid

Bakrid, to be rightly called Idul-Azha or the festival of sacrifice, is the festivals of Islam. It falls on the 10th of Dhul-Hagg, the last month of the lunar year. It is celebrated in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice at God's command. In Kerala as, this day dawns with the resounding of Thakhir (Allahu Akbar), the declaration that God is great.

Every Muslim house wakes up with the spirit of sacrifice and festivity. Men, women and children, dressed themselves in their best attire and reciting the Thakbir, proceed to Id-Gah which is the wide open space set apart for public prayers. After the prayer and the sermon over, the gathering exchange greetings and as an expression of affectionate brotherhood, hug each other. In Kerala on the occasion of Bakrid, special meetings are held in which distinguished members of sister communities participate. This occasion serves to foster brotherly relationship among members of various communities. A spirit of tolerance, mutual understanding and universal brotherhood pervades such gatherings.