Shepherd with flock of sheep at dawn, Thar desert

© Laurent Geslin/Minden Picture

Flock of goats in the Thar. The festival of sacrifice - Bakrid

Today we celebrate the festival of Bakrid. The word itself comes from the Urdu ‘Bakra’ meaning goat, and this is why the festival of Eid al-Adha is popularly known as ‘Bakrid’ in the subcontinent - after the sacrificial goat. Bakrid is all about sacrifice, in remembrance of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his own son at the instruction of God. While a goat or lamb is what was finally sacrificed at the altar, Eid al-Adha celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness, as well as God’s generosity and kindness. Biryani and savouries are usually cooked, and shared with friends and family, while a portion of it is given as a feast to the those less fortunate.