You've probably noticed that planning for "Bakrid" or Bakra Eid feels like trying to hit a moving target. One year it’s in the heat of June, and the next, it’s creeping into May. If you are looking at the calendar and asking when is Bakra Eid in 2026, the short answer is that it is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with the main day of festivities falling on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
But here is the thing: in the world of Islamic holidays, "expected" is the keyword.
The dates are never truly set in stone until the moon shows up. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, it’s roughly 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar we use for work and school. This means the festival rotates through the seasons. In 2026, most of the world—including the US, UK, and Canada—will likely observe the first day on May 27. However, if you are in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you’ll probably be celebrating on May 28, because the moon sighting in South Asia usually happens a day later than in Saudi Arabia.
Why the Date Changes Every Single Year
Honestly, it’s all about the moon. Bakra Eid, or Eid al-Adha, falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. That’s the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar year.
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Unlike the solar calendar, where the Earth’s trip around the sun is a steady 365 days, a lunar month only lasts until the next new crescent is spotted. This makes the whole year about 354 days long. That 11-day gap is why your Eid plans keep shifting earlier and earlier. If you remember celebrating in July a few years back, you aren't crazy. It’s just the math of the moon.
By mid-May 2026, religious committees from Riyadh to New Delhi will be scanning the horizon with telescopes and the naked eye. If the moon is seen on May 17, then the "ten days of Dhul Hijjah" begin on May 18. Count ten days from there, and you land on May 27.
The Timeline for 2026: What to Expect
If you are trying to book time off work or plan a family gathering, here is how the 2026 schedule is shaping up based on current astronomical projections.
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- May 17, 2026: The expected night for the Dhul Hijjah moon sighting.
- May 18, 2026: The likely start of the holy month.
- May 26, 2026: The Day of Arafah. This is the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. For those not traveling for Hajj, it’s a major day for fasting and reflection.
- May 27, 2026: The first day of Bakra Eid for most Western and Middle Eastern countries.
- May 28, 2026: The likely start for India and Pakistan.
The celebration actually lasts for three to four days. It isn’t just a one-and-done event. In many countries, the public holiday extends through the end of May, giving people time to finish the Qurbani (sacrifice) and visit relatives.
What Bakra Eid Is Really About
Beyond the date on the calendar, there’s a massive amount of history here. People call it "Bakra" Eid because Bakri means goat in Urdu, and that’s the animal most commonly sacrificed. But the "why" goes back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham).
As the story goes, Ibrahim was asked by God in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismael, as an act of obedience. Just as he was about to do it, God replaced Ismael with a ram. It’s a story about total devotion and trust.
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Today, that’s mirrored by the Qurbani. Families who can afford it sacrifice a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. It’s not just a ritual, though. There is a very specific rule for the meat: you keep one-third for your family, give one-third to your friends and neighbors, and—this is the big one—give the final third to people in need. It's basically a massive, global effort to make sure nobody goes hungry during the holiday.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think the sacrifice is just about the meat. It’s actually more about the "sacrifice" of your own wealth and ego. In 2026, with inflation hitting food prices everywhere, the cost of a goat or a share in a cow is likely to be a talking point. Many people now choose to "donate" their Qurbani through charities like Islamic Relief or Muslim Aid, who perform the sacrifice in regions facing famine or war.
Preparing for the 2026 Festival
Planning ahead is sort of essential because everything gets crowded. If you are in a city with a large Muslim population—like London, New York, or Mumbai—mosques will be packed for the early morning Eid prayer.
- Work Schedules: Since the date is tentative, ask for May 27-28 off now. Most employers are cool with the "subject to moon sighting" caveat if you give them enough heads-up.
- The Qurbani: If you're doing the sacrifice yourself, farmers usually start taking bookings months in advance. By April 2026, most slots will be gone.
- The Food: Bakra Eid is the "Salty Eid" (compared to the "Sweet Eid" after Ramadan). Expect lots of kebabs, biryani, and bhuna kaleji (sautéed liver) for breakfast.
Important Dates to Watch
| Event | Expected Date (Gregorian) |
|---|---|
| Start of Dhul Hijjah | May 18, 2026 |
| Day of Arafah | May 26, 2026 |
| Bakra Eid (Day 1) | May 27, 2026 |
| Eid Celebrations End | May 30, 2026 |
Actionable Steps for May 2026
Since the exact date of when is Bakra Eid depends on the moon, the best thing you can do is stay flexible. Around May 17, 2026, check your local moon-sighting committee's website or follow reliable news outlets in your specific region.
If you are planning to donate your Qurbani, start researching reputable charities by late April to ensure your contribution reaches those in need before the Eid prayer begins. For those hosting, start your grocery shopping for spices and dry goods at least a week early, as prices for essentials often spike in the days leading up to the festival. Finally, confirm your local mosque's prayer timings by May 25, as many locations hold multiple shifts to accommodate the crowds.