There are number of festivals in the Muslim Calendar but Bakr Id or Id-ul-Zuha is an important festival among Muslims all over the world. It is also known as the day of sacrifice.

This Muslim festival of sacrifice, Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) or Bakr Id in India is celebrated all over the country. On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to observe the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. 

According to Islamic belief Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Being a pious man he was not able to go against the order of Allah but at the same time he was not able to suppress his feelings for his son. He knew he had to carry out the order of the Almighty so; he blindfolded himself before putting Ismail on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. When he removed his bandage after performing the act, he saw his son standing in front of him, alive. This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.

The celebration of Bakri Id starts from the tenth to the twelfth day in the Islamic month of Dhu'l Hijja. On the Id day people wear new clothes, offer prayers, and visit each other and exchange greetings. There are special prayers, which take places on the three days of Id. Ceremonial prayers, and feasts are part of this festival.

The main significance of Id-ul-Zuha or Bakr Id is not just the sacrifice of the goat or Bakr. It actually shows the faith that Ibrahim had on God. It is very important to have true faith and pure feelings when it comes to believing the almighty. This festival not only restores the faith among people but also give them a chance to meet each other. 

The respect that we have for other religion and the strong faith we have in our own makes us believe in the fact that there are times when we do remember God. The significance of a festival is to bring faith in our life. And this should be rekindled with every festival that we follow.