Key Highlights of Eid ul Adha 2025
- Tentative Date: Monday, 7 June 2025 (pending moon sighting)
- Significance: Commemorating the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
- Public Holidays: 3–4 days expected across Kashmir
- Economic Impact: Rising livestock prices amid inflation
- Cultural Focus: Eid celebrations across Kashmir, including areas beyond the Ceasefire Line
When Will Eid ul Adha 2025 Be Observed in Kashmir?
As Muslims across the Kashmir region prepare for one of Islam’s most sacred festivals, Eid ul Adha, the celebration is set to fall on 7 June 2025, pending the sighting of the moon. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which is responsible for determining the start of the Islamic lunar month, will announce the date based on the crescent moon’s appearance. Should the moon be sighted on 29 May, the festival will commence on 7 June, otherwise, it will likely be celebrated a day later, on 10 June.
The key dates to note for the 2025 celebration of Eid ul Adha are:
- 1 Dhul-Hijjah: Expected on 30 May 2025
- Day of Arafah (10 Dhul-Hijjah): Likely on 8 June 2025 (a significant day of fasting and reflection)
- Eid ul Adha (10 Dhul-Hijjah): Expected to fall on 9 or 10 June 2025, pending moon sighting
The Spiritual Significance of Eid ul Adha
Eid ul Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), in obedience to Allah’s command. Just as Prophet Ibrahim’s faith was tested, the festival signifies the themes of obedience, submission to God’s will, and divine mercy. Allah, in His infinite mercy, replaced Ismail with a ram at the last moment, a divine intervention that has become central to the Eid celebration.
Read Also: Eid al-Adha 2025 Holidays in Jammu and Kashmir Officially Announced
For Muslims in Jammu Kashmir, this festival is not only a religious occasion but a time of reflection, community gathering, and charitable giving. The act of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) is performed as a means of expressing gratitude to Allah, while also ensuring that the less fortunate in the community receive sustenance. Eid ul Adha serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, not only in a literal sense but also through the generosity of spirit it encourages.
Performing Qurbani: Guidelines and Practices
Qurbani, or the act of animal sacrifice, is a mandatory practice for financially able Muslims in many Islamic traditions, particularly in the Hanafi school of thought. It is an important Sunnah (tradition) followed by millions each year. In 2025, as the economic situation in the Kashmir region remains challenging, many Muslims will turn to group sacrifices or charity-based Qurbani options to fulfill their obligations.
Who Should Perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is obligatory for Muslims who meet certain financial criteria. Those who are financially stable and able to afford the cost of an animal sacrifice must participate in this act of devotion. For others, the performance of Qurbani is recommended but not compulsory.
Which Animals Are Allowed for Qurbani?
Islamic law permits the sacrifice of specific animals, including goats, sheep, cows, buffaloes, and camels. The age and health of the animal must meet the following requirements:AnimalMinimum AgeHealth Conditions RequiredGoat/Sheep1 yearFree from defects (e.g., blindness, lameness)Cow/Buffalo2 yearsHealthy and well-nourishedCamel5 yearsFree from disease
Meat Distribution Guidelines
The meat from the Qurbani is traditionally divided into three parts:
- 1/3 for the household
- 1/3 for relatives, friends, and neighbours
- 1/3 for the poor and underprivileged
In recent years, many charitable organizationshave introduced online Qurbani services, making it easier for Kashmiris abroad to participate in the tradition, even from distant lands.
The Cultural Spirit of Eid in Kashmir
In Indian-administered Kashmir, Eid ul Adha is not merely a religious event, but a celebration that bridges generations and communities. The valley’s serene landscapes come alive as families reunite, offering prayers at mosques, Eidgahs, and open fields.
Celebrations and Traditions
The first day of Eid begins with communal prayers, after which people often visit the homes of relatives and neighbors to offer congratulations. As the day progresses, families come together for grand feasts that include a variety of traditional Kashmiri dishes such as rista, gushtaba, and tchochi maaz. The generosity of these gatherings is emblematic of the Kashmiri spirit of hospitality.
Economic and Social Challenges
However, this year’s celebrations come amid economic pressures, as inflation and rising livestock prices have made Qurbani more expensive. For many, group Qurbani has become an accessible way to manage the costs, while charitable donations remain a vital aspect of the festival. Local communities, especially those along the Ceasefire Line, have always found solidarity through collective sacrifices, which provide an avenue for those with limited means to share in the blessings of Eid.
Charity and Giving
Charity is an essential component of Eid ul Adha in Kashmir. Across the region, youth-led initiatives are mobilizing to gather donations and distribute food, clothing, and other essentials to impoverished families. Many of these charitable acts take place in areas near the Ceasefire Line, where the sense of solidarity is strong despite the region’s challenges.
Public Holidays and Economic Impact of Eid ul Adha
In 2025, the Kashmir Valley can expect 3-4 days of public holidays to mark the festival, although official announcements will confirm the dates closer to the time. During this period:
- Government offices, banks, and educational institutions will remain closed.
- Travel and tourism are expected to rise, as families take advantage of the break to visit relatives in rural areas or other parts of the region.
- Local businesses will see a temporary uptick in sales, particularly in markets selling livestock, clothing, and food items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qurbani mandatory for women in Kashmir?
Qurbani is mandatory only for women who meet the financial criteria. This is in accordance with the Hanafi school of thought, which sets out specific conditions for those required to perform Qurbani.
Can I perform Qurbani online from outside Kashmir?
Yes, several charitable organizations offer online Qurbani services, allowing people living abroad to participate in the tradition and ensure the meat reaches those in need within Kashmir.
What if I cannot afford Qurbani?
For those who cannot afford the cost of an animal for sacrifice, Islam encourages giving charity in the form of money, food, or other resources to those in need. The sincerity of the intent is what holds the most significance.
Eid ul Adha as a Time of Faith, Reflection, and Community in Kashmir
Eid ul Adha 2025 offers an opportunity for Kashmiris to reflect on the values of faith, sacrifice, and community unity. Despite the challenges posed by economic pressures and rising livestock costs, the spirit of giving and solidarity remains strong. The celebration of Eid ul Adha in Kashmir transcends borders and conflicts, reminding all of the shared humanity that binds communities together across the Ceasefire Line and beyond.
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