June 6th Or 7th? When Is Bakrid And How Will It Affect Bank Holidays?

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It's that time of year again when one of the most significant Islamic festivals prompts a familiar question across India: When is Bakrid this year - June 6th or 7th? As communities prepare for Eid al-Adha with prayer, reflection, and Qurbani (sacrifice), the calendar shows two possible dates. And for many, another practical concern follows: Will banks be open?

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Why The Date Differs : A Matter Of The Moon

Eid al-Adha, or Bakrid, always falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Unlike fixed Gregorian calendar holidays, Islamic festivals change based on moon sightings, which vary from region to region. This means that while one country may sight the crescent moon a day earlier, another might see it a day later - and that changes everything.

In Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Indonesia, the moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah was sighted earlier, placing Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6. In contrast, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and New Zealand will celebrate a day later, on Saturday, June 7, based on their local lunar observations.

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Interestingly, Kerala, known for following the Gulf calendar more closely, will also observe Bakrid on June 6, unlike most of the country.

The Day Before : Arafah And Its Importance

The date of Eid al-Adha also closely follows Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, which is spiritually significant in Islam. In 2025, the Day of Arafah falls on June 5, marking a day of fasting, prayer, and deep contemplation for many Muslims around the world.

What Happens On Eid al-Adha

The festival is observed with special prayers, often in open spaces or large mosques, followed by the ritual sacrifice of a goat, sheep, or buffalo (Qurbani) to honour Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and unwavering faith. While many families conduct the sacrifice themselves, others choose to support NGOs that carry out Qurbani in underserved regions, donating the meat entirely to those in need.

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At its core, Bakrid is all about generosity and community that proves to us that faith sometimes asks for personal surrender.

Bakrid And Bank Holidays : What To Expect

The split in celebration dates has a direct impact on bank operations across India:

• June 6 (Friday): Banks will be closed in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi for Bakrid.
• June 7 (Saturday): Most of India will see bank closures, except in cities like Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Itanagar, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram, where banks will remain open since it's the first Saturday of the month.
• June 8 (Sunday): Banks nationwide will be shut for the weekly holiday.

So, depending on where you are, you might see one or two days of bank closures. But the good news is that digital banking services - UPI, net banking, IMPS, and mobile apps - will work as usual.

You can continue with online transactions, checkbook requests, and card services without any disruption. Even NEFT/RTGS transfers will be available through digital platforms, ensuring that your essential banking needs are still covered.

So, June 6 or 7? It Depends Where You Are

Bakrid's shifting date is a reflection of how faith, tradition, and geography intersect. Whether you're marking the occasion on the 6th in Kerala or the 7th in Delhi, the heart of the festival remains unchanged: connection, compassion, and community.

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And while the banks may take a break, the spirit of Eid and your ability to stay financially connected doesn't miss a beat.