India celebrates Eid

The country is celebrating Bakrid or Eid-ul-Adha on Saturday. The festival begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon.

Also known as "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid", it is celebrated by Muslims worldwide by sacrificing an animal to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

The Eid ul-Adha celebrations are similar to Eid ul-Fitr with the addition of the ritual of sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Haj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat.

Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer in a large congregation in an open area or mosque. Muslims who can afford to do so sacrifice their best domestic animals (usually sheep, but also camels, cows and goats) as a symbol of Ibrahim's sacrifice.

The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished person is left without sacrificial food during these days.

In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.

During the festival, distributing meat amongst the people, and chanting Takbir after prayers throughout the four days of Eid are considered essential parts of the festival.

The festivities last for three days or more depending on the country.

During the whole festival time, people usually visit or invite each other.