The Festival of Sacrifice - Bakr Eid
Moving to Hyderabad is definitely moving back to India but it is not the same as moving back to Bangalore. One of the major differences between the two cities is the religious makeup of the population. Bangalore is made up of approximately 80% Hindu, 13% Muslim, 5% Christian and the remainder are a mix of other religions. Here in Hyderabad, the Hindu to Muslim percentage is much closer, particularly in the old city. The percentages I could find are only for the greater Hyderabad region which is 52% Hindu, 44% Muslim and the balance is made up of other religions.
Both our driver, Nabi, and our maid, Salma are Muslim and will be celebrating Bakr Eid (Eid al-Adha) tomorrow with their families. I have to admit that I haven't had a lot of exposure to Muslim holidays, except Ramadan. In Bangalore we celebrated the Hindu festivals, so this is another learning adventure for us all with this recent move. So for those who are not aware, the story behind Bakr Eid is a celebration of the faith of Ibrahim. When he was asked to make a sacrifice of someone dear to him, and he chose his son, Ismail. This huge decision to sacrifice his son, represented or proved his love for God was as strong as his love for his son. By proving his faith in such a way, his son was saved and a ram was sacrificed instead.
So, tomorrow the Muslims will sacrifice an animal in celebration - this is known as Qurbani. For most Muslims, this is the most important festival of the year. The sacrafice is usually a goat, lamb or ox. There are certain restrictions on what animal can be chosen: it cannot be sick, blind or emaciated and must be of a certain age. The animal is butchered and separated in to three parts - one third is kept by the family, one third is given to neighbours and other relatives, and the final third is given to the poor and needy.
While driving home today we saw goats being sold on the side of the road and Nabi told me that a single goat at this time of year could fetch as much as 12,000 rupees ($230 AUD) and then the cost to have it butchered could mean the family pay up to 14,000 ($270 AUD) for the sacrificial animal. This is a large amount of money for most hard working people in India.
They will make curry's from the meat and then celebrate with all the family and neighbours. Nabi has a large family who mostly still live together, and Salma's two boy are home from school to celebrate with the family and village neighbours. It is so lovely to talk to them about their celebrations - their faces light up when we show interest and ask questions.
For many Muslims, Bakr Eid will be celebrated with a pilgrimage to Mecca. Tomorrow it will be a sea of white when over 2 million people visit Mecca. The photo below is from last year.
So, tomorrow I wish you all Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid)
So, tomorrow the Muslims will sacrifice an animal in celebration - this is known as Qurbani. For most Muslims, this is the most important festival of the year. The sacrafice is usually a goat, lamb or ox. There are certain restrictions on what animal can be chosen: it cannot be sick, blind or emaciated and must be of a certain age. The animal is butchered and separated in to three parts - one third is kept by the family, one third is given to neighbours and other relatives, and the final third is given to the poor and needy.
While driving home today we saw goats being sold on the side of the road and Nabi told me that a single goat at this time of year could fetch as much as 12,000 rupees ($230 AUD) and then the cost to have it butchered could mean the family pay up to 14,000 ($270 AUD) for the sacrificial animal. This is a large amount of money for most hard working people in India.
They will make curry's from the meat and then celebrate with all the family and neighbours. Nabi has a large family who mostly still live together, and Salma's two boy are home from school to celebrate with the family and village neighbours. It is so lovely to talk to them about their celebrations - their faces light up when we show interest and ask questions.
For many Muslims, Bakr Eid will be celebrated with a pilgrimage to Mecca. Tomorrow it will be a sea of white when over 2 million people visit Mecca. The photo below is from last year.
"Voice of People Today" Xinhua News Agency (30 Aug 2017)
So, tomorrow I wish you all Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid)
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