Bakrid 2025: TN Governor Arlekar, CM Vijay and top leaders extend Eid-ul-Adha greetings
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's top political voices — Governor Arlekar, CM Vijay, DMK's Stalin and AIADMK's Palaniswami — united in Bakrid greetings as thousands of Muslims gathered at prayer grounds across Chennai and the state. The cross-party show of solidarity underscores how Eid-ul-Adha has become a key moment for Tamil Nadu's political class to signal communal harmony.
Key Takeaways
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar and Chief Minister C.
Joseph Vijay extended Bakrid greetings on 28 May 2025 .
Stalin and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K.
Palaniswami also conveyed Eid-ul-Adha wishes.
Thousands of Muslims gathered at mosques and open prayer grounds across Tamil Nadu for special Eid prayers.
Large-scale celebrations were held in multiple Chennai localities including Perambur , Royapuram and Anna Nagar .
Eid-ul-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's act of sacrifice.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on 28 May 2025 extended warm Bakrid greetings to Muslims across Tamil Nadu and the country, invoking the festival's core message of sacrifice, compassion, faith and communal harmony.
Governor and CM's Messages
Governor Arlekar said Eid-ul-Adha embodies the values of sacrifice, compassion and faith, and emphasised that the occasion fosters sharing, unity and communal harmony. He wished the people happiness, peace and prosperity.
Chief Minister Vijay said Bakrid commemorates the sacrifice and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim and reflects the values of faith, kindness, equality and humanity. He added that the festival reinforces the importance of love, religious harmony and mutual respect in society.
Political Leaders Join in Greetings
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President M.K. Stalin, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and several other political figures also conveyed their Eid wishes.
Stalin said the festival represents the spirit of charity and helping the poor and needy, and affirmed that the bond between the DMK and the Muslim community would endure. Palaniswami said Bakrid imparts lessons on sacrifice, devotion and humanity, and urged people to uphold peace, brotherhood and social harmony.
Indian National League state president Nagore Raja also extended greetings and appealed for communal harmony, peace and unity.
Celebrations Across Tamil Nadu
Muslims across Tamil Nadu marked Bakrid with prayers, charitable acts and community gatherings on Thursday. From the early hours, worshippers dressed in traditional attire gathered at mosques, stadiums and open prayer grounds across the state to offer special Eid prayers.
In Chennai, large-scale celebrations were held in areas including Perambur, Otteri, Royapuram, Purasawalkam, Anna Nagar, Ice House, Washermanpet, Tondiarpet and Kodungaiyur. Thousands of worshippers attended prayers amid tight security and traffic arrangements, with children in colourful festive outfits adding vibrancy to the occasion.
About Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals, observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. The festival is marked by special prayers, charitable acts and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with meat distributed among relatives, neighbours and the poor.
Community and religious leaders across Tamil Nadu appealed for peace, harmony and communal unity as celebrations continued through the day.
Point of View
Signalling that the political class is acutely aware of the state's pluralist identity. Yet the ritual nature of these greetings also raises a question mainstream coverage rarely asks — whether symbolic solidarity translates into policy outcomes for Tamil Nadu's Muslim communities on issues of education, employment and welfare.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who extended Bakrid 2025 greetings in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, DMK President M.K. Stalin, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Indian National League state president Nagore Raja all extended Eid-ul-Adha greetings on 28 May 2025.
How was Bakrid celebrated in Chennai this year?
Thousands of Muslims gathered at mosques, stadiums and open prayer grounds across Chennai on 28 May 2025 for special Eid prayers. Major celebrations were held in areas including Perambur, Royapuram, Anna Nagar and Washermanpet, with tight security and traffic arrangements in place.
What is the significance of Eid-ul-Adha or Bakrid?
Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. Observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, it is marked by special prayers, charitable acts and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with meat shared among relatives, neighbours and the poor.
What did CM Vijay say about Bakrid 2025?
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said Bakrid commemorates the sacrifice and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim and reflects the values of faith, kindness, equality and humanity. He added that the festival reinforces the importance of love, religious harmony and mutual respect in society.
What message did M.K. Stalin convey on Eid-ul-Adha?
DMK President M.K. Stalin said the festival represents the spirit of charity and helping the poor and needy. He also affirmed that the bond between the DMK and the Muslim community would continue forever.
