Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 28 May extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, praying for happiness, good health, and the deepening of communal harmony across India. The message came as millions of Muslims celebrated Bakrid — one of Islam's most significant festivals — with prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.

PM Modi's Message

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: 'Eid ul-Adha greetings! May this occasion deepen the spirit of brotherhood and happiness in our society. Praying for everyone's success and good health.' The message was widely shared and reflected the government's emphasis on inclusive celebrations during major religious occasions.

Celebrations Across the Country

Large congregations of worshippers gathered at mosques and Eidgahs from early morning across the country, dressed in traditional attire, offering special prayers and exchanging greetings with family, friends, and neighbours. Authorities deployed elaborate security arrangements in several cities to ensure peaceful festivities and maintain law and order throughout the day.

Worshippers described the festival as carrying a message of 'brotherhood, communal harmony, and peaceful coexistence,' while also underscoring values of compassion, sacrifice, and charity. Families gathered for festive meals, and many distributed food and extended assistance to the underprivileged as part of the spirit of the occasion.

Why Bakrid Falls on Different Dates in India

While Bakrid was observed in most parts of India on Thursday, 28 May, some regions — including parts of Jammu and Kashmir — marked the festival a day earlier, on Wednesday, 27 May. As with other Islamic festivals, the date of Eid al-Adha is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. This year, religious authorities in several states confirmed that the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon was not sighted on the expected evening, shifting the start of the Islamic month by a day and placing the festival on 28 May for most of the country.

Significance of Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, who, according to Islamic tradition, was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. The occasion symbolises unwavering faith, gratitude, forgiveness, and charity — values that worshippers said remain deeply relevant in contemporary society. This is one of the two major Eid celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide each year.

Looking Ahead

The festival's emphasis on communal harmony and sacrifice continues to resonate as India's diverse communities mark shared occasions together. Messages of goodwill from national leaders on such festivals are seen as an affirmation of India's pluralist ethos.