Eid ul-Adha 2025 Pakistan & Worldwide: A Story of Sacrifice and Celebration

A Sacred Story and a Test of Faith

Imagine a man of deep faith, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who dreams that God asks him to sacrifice his beloved son. With a heavy heart but unwavering devotion, Ibrahim prepares to carry out the command. According to Islamic tradition, even the devil (Iblis) tried to dissuade him, but Ibrahim drove him away by pelting him with stones. Just as Ibrahim is about to perform the sacrifice, God intervenes, “O’ Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the revelation,” the Angel Gabriel calls out, presenting a ram from heaven to be sacrificed in the boy’s place. Both father and son have passed the ultimate test of faith. Moved by Ibrahim’s devotion and relieved by the son’s survival, Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha (the “Festival of Sacrifice”) to honor this act of submission to God’s will. It is a story shared by the Abrahamic faiths, in the Judeo-Christian tradition a similar narrative is known as the Binding of Isaac, but in Islam it is central to the very ethos of Eid-ul-Adha, underscoring themes of sacrifice, faith, and divine mercy.

On the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar), as the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah comes to its end, the echoes of Ibrahim’s story come alive. The word “Eid” itself means festival or feast, and Eid-ul-Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals (the other being Eid-ul-Fitr). At dawn, Muslims don their finest clothes and gather in open fields or mosques for a special Eid prayer held after sunrise. This prayer, performed in congregation, is a profound scene: rows of worshippers bowing in unison, giving thanks for the faith that binds them. An imam delivers a khutbah (sermon) reminding everyone of the values of sacrifice and charity. When the prayer concludes, the congregation exchanges warm embraces and greetings of “Eid Mubarak” (meaning “Blessed Eid”) to friends, neighbors, and even strangers. There is a palpable feeling of unity and joy. It’s also common to see people reaching out to include non-Muslim friends or passersby in the cheer, inviting them to share a meal or learn about the occasion, Eid-ul-Adha’s spirit is inclusive and welcoming.

Eid-ul-Adha in Pakistan: Tradition, Charity, and Community

In Pakistan, Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid al-Adha often called “Bakra Eid” (Goat Eid), is observed with tremendous fervor and a rich tapestry of customs. The journey begins days before the actual festival, when livestock markets spring up on the outskirts of cities and towns. Families hustle through crowded bazaars to select an animal for sacrifice, be it a goat, sheep, cow, or even a camel. These markets are a spectacle in themselves: rows of goats with tinkling bells, bulls decorated with garlands, and merchants calling out prices. For farmers and traders, it’s the busiest time of year, as millions of animals change hands. (To appreciate the scale: in Pakistan alone about 7.5 million animals, worth an estimated $3 billion, were sacrificed in a single Eid season in 2011.) Children often accompany their parents, eyeing the animals with excitement and sometimes giving pet names to the goat or cow that will briefly become part of the household. This pre-Eid bustle not only boosts the local economy but also turns into a social event, a chance for city folks to reconnect with rural life and for communities to come together in the bargaining process.

Thousands of worshippers gather for Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. Eid morning begins with communal prayers, where the faithful stand shoulder to shoulder in gratitude and unity.

When Eid day arrives in Pakistan, the morning scene is serene yet spirited. Families wake up early, put on new clothes (often specially stitched or bought for the occasion), and head to the nearest Eidgah (open-air prayer ground) or mosque for the Eid prayer. The sight is truly memorable, for instance, Lahore’s grand Badshahi Mosque brims with tens of thousands of devotees, the men typically in crisp white shalwar kameez and women in vibrant festive attire, all bowing together in reverence (see image above). After the prayer, it’s time for greetings and Eidi, children rush to elders expecting little envelopes of money or gifts, a cherished tradition that makes their eyes light up. Relatives, neighbors, and even strangers hug three times in the customary way and wish each other Eid Mubarak. The sound of laughter and the candy wrappers in children’s hands tell you Eid has truly begun.

By late morning, the focus shifts to the central ritual of sacrifice (called Qurbani or Udhiyah). Families who can afford to do so will sacrifice an animal, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to give up what he loved most. This sacrifice is conducted with respect and prayer, the person tasked with the slaughter utters Bismillah, Allahu Akbar (“In the name of God, God is Greatest”) before swiftly and humanely sacrificing the animal. In many Pakistani neighborhoods, this happens right outside homes or in designated community spaces; in cities, professional butchers might be hired to help. It is a moment of solemnity mixed with gratitude, solemn because a life is taken, yet grateful because it is an act of obedience and a means to feed others.

Immediately after, an ethic of sharing and charity takes center stage. The meat is carefully butchered and divided into three equal portions: one third for the family themselves, one third for relatives and friends, and one third for the less fortunate and poor. This ensures that everybody, regardless of economic status, gets to partake in the celebratory meals. In fact, feeding the poor is so integral that many people will go out of their way to find deserving recipients for meat distribution; you’ll see volunteers packing meat into bags and delivering them to impoverished neighborhoods, orphanages, and shelters. The act embodies the very spirit of Eid-ul-Adha: sacrifice and generosity. As a local saying goes, “Eid is not truly Eid until everyone around you can share in the feast.”

With the formalities done, the day turns into a food lover’s delight. The aroma of cooking fills the air in every neighborhood. In Pakistan, no Eid is complete without a feast! Many families start with a special breakfast, a traditional delicacy is kaleji, freshly fried liver mixed with spices and onions, often eaten with warm roti; it’s considered a treat to savor the first taste of the Qurbani meat. Lunch or dinner often features lavish dishes like biryanis (spiced rice with meat), karahi gosht (meat curry cooked in a wok), or grilled kebabs and tikka made from the fresh sacrifice. Relatives and friends hop from house to house, exchanging dishes and warm smiles. Sweet dishes are also prepared, while Eid-ul-Fitr is famous for its sheer khurma (sweet vermicelli milk pudding), on Eid-ul-Adha one might find sivayyan (sweet vermicelli), kheer (rice pudding), or other regional desserts to add a touch of sweetness to the feast. Every household has its own proud specialty and there’s friendly debate about whose kebab or samosas are best. The phrase “food coma” gains real meaning by day’s end!

Cultural traditions add color to the celebrations. On the eve of Eid, many women and girls in Pakistan (as in many South Asian countries) hold mehndi nights, they adorn their hands with henna designs, staining them with beautiful floral and geometric patterns to mark the joyous occasion. You might find young girls comparing whose henna turned out the darkest (a fun superstition says the darker the henna, the more love one has in their life!). In the midst of all this, charity flows abundantly beyond just meat distribution, people donate money and clothes to those in need, ensuring new clothes or a good meal for many poor families. It’s also a peak time for giving zakat (obligatory alms) and sadaqah (voluntary charity). The act of giving is often quiet and humble; a family may anonymously fund a neighbor’s animal sacrifice or slip cash to a struggling worker so that they too can enjoy Eid. There’s a strong sense that Eid-ul-Adha is a communal experience, and no one should be left behind. Neighbors of different faiths are often sent plates of biryani or sweets, a gesture of goodwill and sharing. By nightfall, Pakistani cities are aglow with festive lights and the sounds of laughter. Families gather for Eid Milan parties (get-togethers) or head out to parks and fairgrounds, in many cities, special Eid carnivals and events are organized. The first day of Eid-ul-Adha in Pakistan is exhilarating and exhausting in the best way, and with the festival spanning three to four days (public holidays often last at least two days), the merriment continues as people slowly work their way through heaps of leftovers and make the rounds to every friend and relative they couldn’t see on Day 1.

Eid-ul-Adha Around the World: Unity in Diversity

Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims in every corner of the globe, and while the essence of the festival remains the same, each region adds its own cultural flavor to the celebration. The core practices, congregational prayers, sacrificing and sharing meat, visiting friends and family, and aiding the poor, are universal. Yet, walking through Eid festivities in different countries is like witnessing a beautiful tapestry woven with unique local threads. Let’s take a storytelling journey across some regions:

Middle East: Sweets, Style, and Spirituality

In the Middle East, Eid-ul-Adha morning often begins with the fragrance of bakhoor (incense) wafting through homes. Families dress in immaculate traditional attire, men might wear crisp thobes or dishdasha and women wear elegant dresses or abayas, sometimes accented with gold jewelry saved for special occasions. A notable tradition here is the preparation of special sweets and pastries that are made just for Eid. In countries like Yemen, families come together to bake cookies (similar to shortbread) known as ma’amoul, stuffed with dates or nuts, to serve to guests. In Syria and Lebanon, one might savor mamoul dusted with powdered sugar and other confections that symbolize the sweetness of the occasion. The morning prayer is often held in large open spaces or grand mosques, picture the courtyards of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque filled with worshippers, or thousands praying in unison in Riyadh. After prayers, feasting and visiting begin. It’s common for Middle Eastern families to host big lunch gatherings where lamb dishes like mansaf or kabsa (spiced rice with meat) take center stage. Hospitality is paramount: everyone is welcome, from neighbors to distant relatives, and there’s always more food than can possibly be eaten! Another heartwarming sight is children running around with toys or new clothes bought for them by doting family members, and often given Eidi in the form of crisp currency notes or little gifts. In Gulf countries, some families even set up tents outdoors to receive a constant stream of guests over the days of Eid. Amid the celebration, the story of Ibrahim is not forgotten, many households will tell it to the young ones, reinforcing why they celebrate. It’s also a time for charity: across the Middle East, people donate money to buy sacrificial animals for refugee camps or war-torn communities, ensuring the less fortunate can also celebrate Eid. From Yemen to Syria, despite any hardships, the spirit of Eid is kept alive with resilient joy and the making of those beloved traditional sweets that fill the souks (markets) with tempting aromas.

Southeast Asia: Lights, Lemang, and Laughter

Travel east to Southeast Asia and you’ll find Eid-ul-Adha (known locally as Hari Raya Haji or Idul Adha) celebrated with equal enthusiasm but different customs. In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, the night before Eid is especially vibrant. Communities hold Takbiran festivals, after the sunset on Arafat Day (9th Dhu al-Hijjah), people parade in the streets, joyously chanting the takbir (God is Great) and often carrying decorative torches or lanterns. In some towns, you might encounter children and adults alike marching with bamboo torches or even riding on trucks carrying giant drums, creating a carnival-like atmosphere of light and sound.

Children in Indonesia parade joyfully with torches on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha. In many parts of Southeast Asia, the night is illuminated by such processions, known as “Takbiran,” celebrating the coming feast with music, chants of praise, and dazzling lights. In the morning, Indonesian Muslims attend prayers often held in large open fields called lapangan or at neighborhood mosques. A unique sight in places like Java is the tradition of incense burning at some mosques or at the graves of loved ones after the Eid prayer, blending local culture with Islamic practice (for example, Chinese-Indonesian Muslims in Beijing’s Niujie Mosque also light incense at ancestral tombs after Eid prayers).

Eid-ul-Adha in Indonesia and Malaysia is also marked by a strong emphasis on visiting one another, an open-house tradition (“Rumah Terbuka” in Malaysia) may be organized, where friends of all faiths are invited to share food and festivities. The dining tables boast local favorites: in Malaysia, one might enjoy rendang (a rich coconut beef stew) and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo) with spicy peanut sauce, dishes often reserved for festive times. In Indonesia, after the qurbani meat is distributed, families cook satay (skewered grilled meat) or gulai kambing (goat curry), hearty dishes that bring everyone together. Henna is not as widespread here as in South Asia, but in some communities (especially among Acehnese or Malaysian Indians), women might still decorate their hands. More universally, new clothes are a big deal, children frequently wear matching outfits, and family portraits in coordinated attire are a cherished Eid memory. By evening, parks and malls fill up with people enjoying their holiday, and often there are fireworks or firecrackers set off in celebration. Despite being far from the Middle East, Muslims in Southeast Asia share the same joy, one Indonesian writer beautifully described Eid-ul-Adha day as “pagi di Timur, sore di Barat”, meaning “prayer in the East, feast in the West,” reflecting how the day moves from spiritual devotion in the morning to social enjoyment as the sun sets. Through it all, the values of sacrifice and sharing remain central: many in Indonesia and Malaysia send money to poorer villages to sponsor animal sacrifices, and community groups ensure even the most remote neighbors receive some portion of meat so that no one misses out on the Eid meal.

Europe: Tradition in New Homelands

Across Europe, Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated by minority Muslim communities whose sizes and histories vary by country, from the longstanding Turkish communities in Germany, to North African communities in France, to newer immigrant and refugee groups scattered across the continent. Waking up on Eid in Europe, one might not hear the ubiquitous public calls to prayer of Muslim nations, but in the hearts and homes of Muslim families, the day is as significant as anywhere else. In cities like London, Paris, or Berlin, large open-air Eid prayers are sometimes held in parks or stadiums to accommodate crowds, otherwise community centers and mosques overflow. It’s a common sight in London’s East End or Paris’s suburbs to see throngs of worshippers in traditional South Asian, African, or Middle Eastern attire heading to prayer early in the morning. Afterwards, the celebration in Europe often adapts to local norms, for example, because of strict laws on animal slaughter, many families in Europe do not personally sacrifice livestock at home. Instead, they might pool money to have a sacrifice done in their country of origin or through charities (ensuring the meat goes to the needy abroad), or they purchase meat from a halal butcher that has arranged the sacrifice at a licensed facility. Despite this logistical difference, European Muslims uphold the spirit of Qurbani by contributing to charity or sending donations overseas in lieu of a local slaughter if needed.

The day then unfolds with visiting friends and family, much like anywhere else, though often in a tighter window since Eid is not an official holiday in most European countries (some people might even have to take a day off work or school for it). Still, in countries such as Bosnia, Albania, or Kosovo, where Eid is a public holiday due to significant Muslim populations, you’ll see town squares filled with people in festive moods, and even non-Muslim neighbors joining in the goodwill. In multicultural hubs like the UK, it’s not unusual to find Eid festivals organized on the weekend: city councils or local communities host fairgrounds, food stalls, and cultural shows in celebration of Eid, welcoming people of all backgrounds. For instance, Birmingham in England has hosted one of Europe’s largest Eid gatherings in recent years, with tens of thousands coming for prayer in a park followed by a day-long carnival. In refugee centers or shelters across Europe, aid groups often deliver special meals and gifts on Eid so that those far from home can still feel the warmth of the occasion. Heartening stories have emerged, such as small villages in countries like Serbia and Austria where local residents join refugees in Eid celebrations, sharing lunch in community halls or even in historic castles turned shelters. These scenes highlight how Eid-ul-Adha can bridge cultures: one can witness a Syrian refugee teaching an Austrian friend how to cook maqluba (a layered rice dish) for Eid, or children from different countries exchanging sweets and smiles. Across Europe, whether in a modest flat in Amsterdam or a grand mosque in Moscow, the day is filled with phone calls to loved ones abroad, gift exchanges, and communal meals. The universal values of the holiday, gratitude, generosity, and gathering with loved ones, find their place even in lands far from where Islam originated.

North America: Faith, Family, and Community Fairs

On the other side of the Atlantic, Muslims in North America celebrate Eid-ul-Adha in ways that blend their cultural heritage with the American and Canadian milieu. In cities like New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, or Houston, Eid morning might start with families driving to large convention centers or outdoor grounds that have been rented out for the massive Eid prayer, since mosques alone can’t accommodate everyone. It’s a delightful sight to see, perhaps in a sports stadium in Toronto or a park in New York, thousands of people from every ethnicity (South Asian, Arab, African, Turkish, Bosnian, you name it) all united in faith, filling these secular spaces with the echoes of Allahu Akbar in prayer. In small-town America, where the Muslim community might be just a handful of families, Eid prayer could happen in a community hall or even a spacious living room, but the same excitement prevails. One charming aspect in North America is the rise of Eid carnivals and fairs. After prayer, many communities organize funfairs especially for children: think bounce houses, face-painting booths, petting zoos (quite fitting when kids have just heard about Prophet Ibrahim’s lamb!), and stalls selling funnel cakes alongside traditional ethnic foods. For example, the Muslim community center in Los Angeles might host a multicultural potluck, where kebabs, pizza, samosas, and hot dogs share the table. In some areas, local mayors or even the President or Prime Minister will issue an Eid greeting; it makes Muslims feel seen and respected as part of the diverse fabric of North America. Since North America is home to Muslims from around the globe, Eid gatherings are often wonderfully diverse, you could find an Egyptian-American family visiting a Pakistani-American friend, then dropping by the Turkish mosque’s picnic. This mixing has led to a beautiful exchange of traditions: you might see Arab friends enjoying South Asian seviyan (sweet vermicelli) or Desi kids thrilled by Middle Eastern baklava, all on the same Eid day.

One thing that stands out in Western countries is the effort to educate and share Eid with the wider society. Many Muslim families will send their kids to school (if they don’t have the day off) with candies or presentations about what Eid is, or invite non-Muslim colleagues to an Eid dinner. It’s not uncommon now to find an “Eid Open House” at Islamic centers where locals of other faiths are welcomed to experience the hospitality, tasting food, trying on henna, or watching a live demonstration of the prayer. Over the years, awareness has grown so much that you might even see a “Happy Eid” sign at a local grocery store, or Eid featured in mainstream media. Charitable giving in North America during Eid-ul-Adha is often channeled through organizations: Muslims here frequently donate to international charities that arrange sacrifices in impoverished countries, or they participate in local drives (like food banks and homeless shelters) to share the holiday’s blessings with their neighbors in need. The sacrifice itself, due to legalities, is usually done at licensed farms or slaughterhouses, some families make it an educational trip, taking their children to farms where they say a prayer and witness the Qurbani, then bring the meat back to distribute and cook. For others, simply arranging a donation online fulfills the ritual, and they symbolically partake by cooking a roast at home. As evening falls on Eid in North America, families unwind after a long, fulfilling day. Perhaps they’ll take a stroll in the neighborhood, and it’s touching when a neighbor seeing them dressed up might come over to say “Happy Eid!” In these moments, Muslim Americans and Canadians feel the universal message of Eid-ul-Adha resonate: humanity is one family, and sharing our celebrations only brings us closer.

The Essence of Eid: One Message, Many Expressions

Across all these stories, whether in a Pakistani village, a Saudi city, an Indonesian island, a European capital, or an American suburb, the heart of Eid-ul-Adha remains beautifully consistent. It is a time of reflection, sacrifice, gratitude, and joy. Muslims everywhere recall the ancient story of Prophet Ibrahim, finding inspiration in his faith and willingness to give up something precious for the sake of righteousness. They gather in prayer, they slaughter and share food so that no one goes hungry on this day, they reach out to family and strangers alike with open hearts. The celebrations wear different colors and accents around the world: henna and bangles in one place, coffee and dates in another; the hustle of a cattle market here, the quiet click of an online charity donation there. And yet, the melody of Eid-ul-Adha is universal. As one cultural reporter aptly noted, while “the cultures are different, the key values of the celebration remain the same, giving, feasting, family, and joyous festivities”.

In the end, Eid-ul-Adha is more than just a ritual of sacrifice; it is a celebration of compassion and community. It’s about remembering that the blessings we have are meant to be shared, and that true devotion to God lies in kindness to His creation. For Muslims, it’s a holiday that brings both spiritual fulfillment and worldly happiness, the humility of prayer in the morning and the hearty laughter of a family dinner by evening. For non-Muslims, witnessing or participating in Eid-ul-Adha, even if just by accepting a plate of biryani from a Muslim neighbor or reading a story like this, offers a window into a tradition that, at its core, celebrates values that are truly universal. As the sun sets on Eid day, illuminating skies from Karachi to Kuala Lumpur to Chicago, one can sense the collective gratitude in millions of hearts. The world, for that moment, feels a little closer, bound by an ancient story and the very human ideals of faith, charity, and love. Eid Mubarak to one and all!