Bakrid

This Muslim festival of sacrifice, Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) or Bakrid in India is celebrated all over the country. 

On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. 

According to Islamic belief, to test Ibrahim's faith, Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail. 

He agreed to do it but found his paternal feelings hard to suppress. 

So he blind - folded himself before putting Ismail on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca.

 When he removed his bandage after performing the act, he saw his son standing in front of him, alive.

 On the altar lay a slaughtered lamb. 

This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. 

Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers. 

Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.