Bhatkal: Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in Bhatkal, the state of Karnataka, and likely across the entire country on Saturday, June 7.
According to the Bhatkal Qazi and the Central Moon Sighting Committee in Bengaluru, Thursday, May 29, will mark the 1st of Dhul Hijjah 1446 H. Consequently, Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, will be observed on Saturday, June 7.
Sources confirmed that the moon was not sighted on Tuesday, May 27, in Bhatkal and coastal Karnataka. Therefore, the first of Dhul Hijjah was declared for Thursday, May 29. In Bengaluru and several other parts of the state, moon-sighting efforts were made on Wednesday evening, but local visibility was hindered due to heavy rainfall.
Maulana Maqsood Imran Rashadi, a member of the Karnataka Central Moon Sighting Committee, stated that although the moon was not visible in Bengaluru, confirmed reports of moon sightings were received from Chelur village in Bagepalli Taluk. In addition, credible sightings were reported from Chennai, Lucknow, Bengal, Patna, and Varanasi. Based on these verified reports, religious scholars unanimously declared May 29 as the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most significant Islamic festivals. It commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to God, who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to divine command.
The festival coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, observed during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of this month, marking the conclusion of the major rites of Hajj.
On this day, Muslims gather early in the morning for special Eid prayers, usually held at large open grounds known as Eidgahs. The prayers are followed by sermons that emphasize the values of sacrifice, compassion, and community spirit. The atmosphere is marked by joy, gratitude, and unity.
After the prayers, the ritual of animal sacrifice is performed by those who are financially able. The animal—usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel—must be healthy and meet specific criteria as prescribed in Islamic law.
The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one-third is kept by the family, one-third is distributed to relatives and friends, and one-third is given to the poor and needy. This act of sharing reflects the core Islamic values of charity, empathy, and social responsibility.