Eid al-Adha is an important Islamic festival where Muslims offer animal sacrifices to seek the pleasure of Allah, following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). It also connects deeply with the rituals of Hajj. In simple terms, Qurbani means giving something up for the sake of Allah every year.

Like Muslims in many other countries, people in Bangladesh celebrate Eid al-Adha with great excitement and devotion. However, it’s not a compulsory ritual for everyone. Only those who can afford it are expected to perform the sacrifice.

Who Is Not Required to Perform Qurbani

Qurbani is not required for everyone. Here are the people for whom it does not apply:

1. Non-Muslims

    

2. Children who haven’t reached maturity

    

3. People with mental illness

    

4. Those who are traveling during Eid

    

5. Anyone who doesn’t own wealth equal to the Nisab amount between the 10th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah
   

Nisab means owning wealth equal to 7.5 tolas of gold, 52.5 tolas of silver, or anything of the same value.

The Culture of Eid al-Adha

On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, during the Hajj at the holy Kaaba, Muslims around the world offer animal sacrifices.

Sharing the meat of the sacrificed animal with relatives and the poor is a deeply rooted part of Eid al-Adha’s tradition. This practice applies to Muslims in every country, and Bangladesh is no exception.

Eid al-Adha Traditions in Bangladesh

Every country celebrates Eid al-Adha in its own way. For example, in Turkey, local mosques usually organize the entire Qurbani process. But in Bangladesh, most people handle the arrangements themselves. Some social, business, or political groups also organize Qurbani to distribute meat among the poor, but this is less common.

In Bangladesh, preparations for Eid al-Adha begin as soon as the moon of Dhul-Hijjah is sighted. Families start planning a budget for the sacrifice.

Those who want to share one animal with others meet with neighbors to agree on who will take part. People visit local cattle markets to choose the right animal.

They also arrange workers to help with cutting the meat after the sacrifice. Many sharpen or buy new knives, shovels, and other tools. This whole process creates a festive feeling across the country.

Cattle Markets During Eid al-Adha in Bangladesh

Starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah, temporary cattle markets begin to pop up across Bangladesh. These special markets mainly sell cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and sometimes even camels for Qurbani. People visit these markets with great excitement to choose the perfect animal.

Market organizers usually charge a fee of 500 to 1,000 taka per animal to run these temporary setups. After buying the animal, families often decorate it with garlands and walk it home through the streets.

On the way, passersby often ask with curiosity, “How much did it cost?” or “Where did you buy it?” Buyers usually smile and share the details proudly. Some people also raise their own animals at home for Qurbani. Islam especially encourages offering an animal that you have raised yourself.

The Morning of Eid al-Adha in Bangladesh

On Eid morning, all the male members of the family take an early shower and head to the Eidgah (prayer ground). After offering the two rakats of Eid prayer, everyone returns home where the Qurbani animals are waiting. The same imam who led the prayer usually performs the animal sacrifice.

There is often a set donation for the imam per animal, which people give after the sacrifice. Since this is the only time of year when large animals are sacrificed at home, getting the animal to lie down for the ritual often leads to laughter and fun—especially when the animal is strong and uncooperative!

After the sacrifice, family members gather to cut the meat together. While chopping, they share stories and jokes, and the work goes on till around noon.

Light snacks are served in between, though some continue working with sore backs. The liver and some meat are cut and cooked quickly to serve as a special Eid dish. By midday, the cutting is done, the meat is divided, and the portions for the poor are distributed.