Eid-ul-Adha, widely observed as Bakrid, was celebrated with prayers, peace messages, and communal harmony across multiple Indian cities on Thursday, 29 May 2025, as authorities deployed extensive security arrangements — including drone surveillance and Quick Response Teams — to ensure smooth festivities. From Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, the occasion drew large gatherings at mosques and Eidgahs nationwide.

Security Arrangements Across Uttar Pradesh

In Amethi, tight police deployment was maintained near mosques and Eidgahs, with Superintendent of Police Saravanan T personally overseeing arrangements on the ground. In Deoria, prayers were held at the Malviya Road Eidgah under the supervision of the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, who monitored law and order throughout the morning.

In Hardoi, large numbers of worshippers gathered at the Bilgram Chungi Eidgah. City Magistrate Sanjay Kumar confirmed that all Eid prayers in the Kotwali city area were conducted peacefully and without disruption. Residents expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

In Noida, Joint Commissioner of Police Rajeev Narain Mishra said prayers were held at more than 180 mosques across Noida, Greater Noida, and Central Noida zones. Authorities deployed 26 Quick Response Teams (QRTs), reserve police forces, and drones for aerial surveillance — among the most extensive security setups in the region this year.

In Gorakhpur, devotees offered prayers at the Dargah Mubarak Khan Shaheed. In Muzaffarnagar, celebrations concluded peacefully under CCTV surveillance, with officials and religious leaders appealing for cleanliness and adherence to guidelines during animal sacrifice rituals.

Lucknow: Minister Extends Greetings, Calls for Unity

Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari offered Bakrid prayers at a mosque near the Vidhan Sabha in Lucknow and extended greetings to citizens, calling for peace, harmony, and communal unity on the occasion. Moradabad also witnessed a large turnout from early morning, with police, paramilitary personnel, and fire brigade teams deployed for peaceful celebrations.

Delhi, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan Join the Celebrations

In Delhi, large crowds gathered at the historic Jama Masjid to offer Eid prayers. In Mumbai, devotees assembled near Jama Masjid on Malvani Road in the Malad area, with similar scenes reported in Vasai-Virar and Navi Mumbai's Sanpada area. Worshippers at all three locations prayed for peace, prosperity, and brotherhood amid adequate police presence.

In Jaipur, Rajasthan, Eid-ul-Adha prayers were held peacefully at the local Eidgah under tight security.

South India Observances

In Tamil Nadu, prayers were offered at the Manjakuppam grounds and nearby mosques in Cuddalore, at Eidgahs in Madurai, and at the Vellaiyampattu Eidgah in Tirupathur. The turnout across Tamil Nadu reflected the festival's wide observance in the southern state.

The Significance of Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command — a demonstration of unwavering devotion. According to Islamic tradition, Allah accepted his faith and offered a sheep to be sacrificed in place of his son. The festival, one of the most significant in the Islamic calendar, is marked by communal prayers, animal sacrifice, and the sharing of food with family, neighbours, and those in need.

This year's celebrations unfolded without major incident across the country, with security forces and local administrations widely credited for maintaining order. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation through the day as sacrifice rituals proceed.