Let us have a look at the Islamic festivals and holidays for the calendar year 2021 in detail here. The dates may vary as per the Moon sighting for each festival as Muslims follow Islamic Lunar Calendar.
Islam is one of the oldest religions followed by many all over the country. It is originated from Mecca, nearly two billion people are following this religion. Muslims believes that there is one god named Allah and Prophet Muhammad is the last messenger of Allah. The holy book of Muslims is Quran consisting of 114 chapters.
Eid Ul Fitr (Ramadan) – 13.05.2021
Ramzan is the key festival of Muslims all over the world. It is celebrated at the ninth month of Islamic Calendar. It is also called as the Eid al-Fitr. Muslims follow a month full of fasting from dawn to dusk. During night prayer sessions are conducted for 30 days.
In this fasting period people used to stay away from the sinful activities. It is the month during which Mohammed received the revelation of Quran, the holy book of Islam. This festival increases the discipline and spirituality in individuals. People used to undergo hajj as a pilgrimage.
Eid Ul Adha (Bakrid) 21.07.2021
Bakrid is another important festival of Islam. It is also known as Eid al-Adha. It is the festival of sacrifice celebrated at the 10th month of lunar year. In this day meat is given to poor and it is practiced all over the world. It is believed that no poor is left out in this day. It is celebrated in order to honor the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael because of God’s command.
Ibrahim discussed with his wife and finally decided to sacrifice his only son. Later on he came to know that Allah was testing his faith and obedience and sacrificed a lamb/sheep instead. People used to practice by offering lamb, sheep, goats to their relatives.
Muharram – 19.08.2021
It is the Islamic new year which celebrated by all the muslims in all over the world. It is in the first lunar month of Islam. It is also the anniversary of the battle of Karbala, where, Prophet Mohammed’s grand son was killed. It is mourning of the death of Hazrat Imam Hussian. It is also called as Ashura, which is very significant.
People used to offer prayers at mosque and donate blood during mourning. They beat themselves with objects symbolizing the pain of Prophet Hussian. It is also a symbol of injustice. They follow up-to 10 nights from Muharram. They wear black clothes in this day.
Miladi un-Nabi – 19.10.2021
It is the birth day of Prophet Mohammed. It is celebrated by the Muslims all over the world in order to commemorate the divinity and nobleness of Nabi. It is celebrated at the third month of Islam calendar. In early 11th century it is only restricted to Shia muslims. Later from 12th century Sunni muslims from various countries started to celebrate the born day of Prophet Mohammed.
During this day, people offer prayers in mosques and recites the holy Quran. Children also narrate the stories of Prophet Mohammed. They donate food, clothes and various things ro poor and needy during this festival.
These are the main Islamic festivals followed and celebrated in India with rich cultural heritage.
