How Eid al-Adha is celebrated around the world
Eid al-Adha is celebrated with unique flair in every corner of the world.
DANIAL HAKIM
While the heart of the celebration remains rooted in the profound story of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and unwavering faith, the way Muslims commemorate this sacred day is as diverse as the communities themselves.
From the spiritual intensity of Mecca to the festive energy in South Asia and the adaptive warmth of Western observances, Eid al-Adha is celebrated with unique flair in every corner of the world.
Saudi Arabia, the heart of the Pilgrimage
There’s no place where Eid al-Adha feels more spiritually resonant than in Saudi Arabia, especially in Mecca.
It’s not just a holiday, it’s the grand culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, a key Hajj ritual, before joining locals in the qurban or animal sacrifice.
Families typically sacrifice a sheep, goat, or cow, and the meat is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the needy, one-third is shared with relatives, and the remaining third is kept for the family.
Streets are filled with people in their best attire, meals are elaborate, and the spirit of charity is deeply felt.
Turkey, Kurban Bayramı
In Turkey, Eid is celebrated as Kurban Bayramı, and it is filled with strong community spirit and heartfelt traditions.
After the morning mosque prayers, families carry out animal sacrifices, ensuring the meat is shared among family, neighbours, and the less fortunate.
A beautiful custom unique to Turkey is the Bayram greetings. People visit each other’s homes, exchanging well-wishes and sharing sweet treats. Streets are also decked out in decorations as the air buzzes with festive joy.
China, the Corban Festival among Hui Muslims
Among China’s Hui Muslim community, Eid al-Adha is known as the Corban Festival. Like elsewhere, the day begins with special prayers, followed by the sacrifice of a sheep or cow. The meat is carefully distributed in thirds among the poor, family, and friends.
A touching addition to the celebration is the practice of visiting ancestors’ graves, a gesture of respect and remembrance. Some regions also host cultural performances, showcasing how Islamic faith blends with the rich local traditions of China.
Korea, a communal celebration
Due to strict local regulations, the Korea Muslim Federation is not allowed to perform actual animal sacrifices in public, per the Livestock Products Sanitary Control Act. So how do Korean Muslims celebrate Eid?
They gather at Seoul Central Masjid, the largest in the country, for communal prayers. In place of qurban, “they offer bread and milk to those who came to the mosque in Itaewon.” Afterward, it’s common to share a lamb meal at nearby halal restaurants with loved ones.
United States, celebrating in diversity
Eid al-Adha in the US is not a federal holiday, but that has never stopped American Muslims from celebrating wholeheartedly.
During Eid, local mosques overflow with worshippers, and community centers often host large-scale Eid events in rented halls or parks, complete with bouncy castles, bazaars, and food trucks.
A standout feature is the diversity of traditions. Muslims celebrate the different heritages, including Pakistan, as well as Eastern European and African countries, by wearing traditional clothes and sharing their national dishes.
While sacrifices are performed in government-certified slaughterhouses or via charities, the heart of Eid lies in community, prayer, and unity.
United Kingdom, Salty Eid
British Muslims call Eid al-Adha the "Salty Eid", in contrast to the sweeter, dessert-laden Eid al-Fitr.
Before prayer, Muslims perform Ghusl, a full-body purification, and don their finest attire. Since British law mandates that sacrifices happen only in official slaughterhouses, many donate to trusted charities for their qurban.
Meals include kebabs, haleem, and biryani, while kids receive Eidi and families exchange gifts. It is customary in Britain to wish one another Eid Mubarak, which translates as ‘have a blessed Eid.’
South Asia, Big Eid
In South Asia, Eid al-Adha,often called Bari Eid or “Big Eid”, is an elaborate affair.
Preparations start weeks ahead, with markets buzzing and henna nights bringing women together. A Pakistani tradition includes applying mehndi while chatting about Eid outfits.
On Eid day, sacrifices are made early, followed by indulgent dishes like beef biryani, korbani’r mangsho (Bangladeshi-style beef curry), and sweet sewaiyan.
Bangladeshi children delight in receiving money gifts called ‘Eidi’ and showing off their new clothes while elders reflect on sacrifice and faith over a cup of tea.
Eid al-Adha connects nearly two billion Muslims around the world and though cultures vary, the essence of obedience, sacrifice, and charity remains constant.
From the humble kitchens of Bangladesh to the bustling streets of Cairo and the diverse mosques of New York, Eid al-Adha is a living tradition evolving with the times, yet forever rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim and the values of faith, devotion, and giving.
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