Celebrating Bakr-Eid: Of Prayers and Food Fairs

When suddenly hoards of marked goats are visible on the roads, you know it’s time for Eid-ul-Adha – a major festival celebrated all over the world. This day, also known as Bakr-Eid, requires Muslims to slaughter a goat in remembrance of the Prophet Mohammad’s own spirit of sacrifice. God had decreed that Ibrahim, as the Prophet was known then, martyr his son. However, at the crucial moment, it was allowed that a sheep be sacrificed instead. Families that can afford to, procure the animal for a feast they must share with friends, family, and the less fortunate.

In addition to the customary prayers, feasts and bonhomie are an integral part of celebrations. This day is a gazetted holiday in India, and affords other communities a chance to also partake in the celebrations.

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Mewati, Pahadi or Totapari: Take Your Pick at the Goat Market

The Bakra Bazaar at Delhi’s Jama Masjid is the biggest and best known. This is a century old spot where the annual auction of fattened goats takes place, each year before Eid-ul-Zuha. Adjacent to the Meena Bazaar, it’s a sight for passers-by to see thousands of goats chaperoned by traders. Varieties like Mewati, Pahadi, and Totapari are on offer. They could cost anything from a few hundreds, to lakhs of rupees. The sensation of few years back was Saifeena – a pair of male goats called Saif and Kareena respectively, with a combined weight of 400 kilos! By some accounts, their buyer forked out Rs. 3 lakhs for them.

Historic Venues for Eid Prayers

Eid prayers must be offered on a sacred open ground well after sunrise. Several historic sites in India host these congregations. The Mir Alam Idgah in Secundrabad (the twin city of Hyderabad) witnesses a great rush of people during Eid-ul-Zuha every year. Thousands congregate for sermons, and authorities have to make elaborate arrangements to handle the extraordinary gathering. The Jama Masjid in Delhi is one of the most important venues for Eid. The dramatic red sand-stone structure with kneeling figures immersed in devotion is a subject of many a photo-essays. The Taj Mahal in Agra is also thronged by people for morning prayers during Bakr Eid. All these places have major road, rail and air connections.

Biryani, Paaya and Seviyan: The Grand Feast

Goats sacrificed are cooked in a variety of ways and as a matter of custom, served to people beyond the family fold as well. Haleem, made from mutton chunks and buckwheat, can be had without accompaniments. The Nawabi Biryani is a rich dish with dry fruits, aromatic spices and meat that should coat each long grain of rice with flavour. Korma is made from whole spices and has a characteristic layer of fat floating over the meaty gravy. Phirni, a kind of sweet rice porridge decorated with silver foil, and seviyan, are the main deserts. Paaya uses the goat’s trotters and is had through the subcontinent with great relish. The items are served for private meals, and are also available at restaurants and street vends during celebrations.

Plan a trip to one of the popular spots for Eid festivities and join in the food fest.