Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice', is one of the two main Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year and is considered the holier of the two. In Bangladesh, it is a major event and one of the most observed holidays. The celebrations revolve around the history of Prophet Ibrahim, who was ready to sacrifice his son to demonstrate his obedient to God. But God, pleased with his devotion, replaced his son with a ram at the last minute.
The holiday lasts for a couple of days in Bangladesh, starting on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The day begins with morning prayers at the local mosque, followed by the sacrificial event where animals such as cows, goats, and sheep are slaughtered. This ritual event is known as Qurbani, signifying the animal that Ibrahim sacrified in the place of his son. The meat from the sacrifices is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one for relatives and friends, and the third part is given to the poorer members of the community.
Along with the sacrifices, the holiday in Bangladesh is marked with feasts consisting of the cooked meat from the sacrificed animals, known as Kurbanir Eid. The feast is shared with family, friends, and the less fortunate, promoting a sense of community and equality. The holiday also sees an increase in charitable actions and giving, with many Bangladeshis taking this opportunity to help the less fortunate. Overall, Eid al-Adha is a significant religious and cultural event where Bangladeshis show devotion to God, follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim, and emphasise charity and community.