Best Places to Witness Eid Celebrations in India

India is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world and people of different communities and religious backgrounds celebrate many festivals throughout the year. One of the major festivals celebrated by Muslims in India and globally is Eid al-Adha or Eid-ul-Adha, which is commonly known as Bakar Eid.  

The festival is celebrated to honour the devotion of a devout named Ibrahim who did not hesitate to sacrifice his son to the almighty. This is one of the important festivals in India in July and it is commonly associated with the sacrifice of goats.  

Eid al-Adha is the second most revered festival for the Muslims after Eid-al-Fitr, which is celebrated at the end of the holy month, Ramadan. Eid is an important family holiday for the Muslims, it is the time to celebrate, plan family get together and savour delicious food. 

In India, there are specific cities that go the extra mile to celebrate this important festival. If you are keen to see or be a part of the celebrations, here are our suggestions on places to go during Eid.

Srinagar 

The capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar is known for its many picturesque landscapes, pristine natural beauty and its vibrant and colourful culture. All this is amplified during Eid al-Adha. The locals celebrate the festival with great zeal and enthusiasm, and also most families welcome the tourists to be part of their family celebrations.  

Typically, on the festival day, people offer special prayers at the Aasar-e-Sharif Hazratbal mosque before rejoicing with family and friends. Certain parts of the city like the Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, and Goni Market, come alive with various activities. Just watching the locals greeting and wishing each other the traditional way and buying gifts is a sight to behold. The mosques in the city are well lit and add to the festive vibe. The local stalls and restaurants serve a range of special Eid delicacies, including Biryani and Kheer. 

If you travel to Srinagar during Eid, you can enjoy the celebrations by staying at the Kashmir HouseBoats, a Club Mahindra affiliate property.  

Lucknow 

Talk about best places to visit during Eid holiday to witness the grand festive celebrations, and Lucknow ought to be at the top of the list. The land of the Nawabs, Lucknow’s culture has a heavy influence of the Islamic rulers of the past. During Eid, the locals start their day by offering their prayers or namaz at the mosque.  

If you want to witness a larger communal gathering, you must visit the Asifi Masjid, the largest praying ground in Lucknow. Near the masjid there are plenty of food stalls that sell the most delicious varieties of Kebabs and the famous Lucknowi Biryani that would surely leave your taste buds and tummy in heaven.

Kolkata 

Kolkata has a significant Muslim population. The city residents celebrate Eid with the same flair and in a grand manner as they celebrate other festivals. Many parts of the city are lit up and decorated for the grand occasion. Weeks before the big day, you can see people hurrying up to the livestock market to buy goats to be sacrificed. People of all religions come together to join the festivities, showcasing the unity amongst the citizens and India’s cultural integrity.  

Hyderabad 

Like Lucknow, Hyderabad was under the rule of the Muslim rulers for a long time, and they have left a long-lasting influence on the local culture, and traditions. Fondly known as the City of Nizam or the Pearl City of India, Hyderabad is one of the best places to go on Eid. 

On the day of Eid, many people gather near the stunning Charminar, to offer their prayers and greet each other the traditional way. As people pray, you can try out some authentic Hyderabadi food and be a part of the celebrations with the locals. Other popular places in the city where locals celebrate the festival on a grand scale include Secunderabad, Madannapet and Masab Tank.

Mumbai 

Mumbai is known to celebrate the various festivals with great fanfare, and Eid is no different. During Eid al-Adha, the city comes alive as the mosques are decorated beautifully with flowers and lights. You can see many people coming together to offer their prayers.  

The Haji Ali Dargah, Mahim Dargah, and Minara Masjid get specially crowded. The cheerful faces, colourful attire of the people add to the festive vibe. You can go to Mohammad Ali Road to try out some delectable food that is served to mark this festival! 

So, head to one of these cities to witness the Eid celebrations and the festive spirit of India. And, no matter which city you are going to, don’t forget to try the delicious local food and the special Eid preparations.