Spiritual leaders, politicians call for ‘Green Bakrid’; Imam urges hygiene and media restraint

As Muslims across India prepare to observe Eid-Ul-Adha later this month, the festival’s traditional animal sacrifice has reignited public debate, with religious leaders and politicians urging for more environmentally conscious and symbolic celebrations. Amid the growing call for a “Green Bakrid,” prominent Islamic cleric Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, the Imam of Eidgah, has issued a 12-point advisory focused on hygiene, dignity, and community responsibility during the festival.

Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the head priest of Bageshwar Dham, was among the first to publicly denounce the practice this year. Speaking ahead of the festival, he said, “Violence against living beings is not acceptable in any community, culture, or religion. We do not support animal sacrifice or rituals like Bakra Eid. If we cannot save a life, then no one has the right to take it.” His remarks resonated with several right-wing voices advocating for a non-violent and symbolic observance of the festival.

In Ghaziabad, BJP MLA Nandkishore Gurjar has written to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), asking for a ban on animal slaughter in the Loni area, citing both the Aircraft Ordinance and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. According to Gurjar, the area falls under an aerodrome zone where such activities are prohibited.

“Loni comes under Aircraft Ordinance and is barely 5 km away from the Hindon Air base. Slaughter at meat shops and animal carcasses can invite vultures, leading to disturbance of airspace,” Gurjar wrote in a letter to the Ghaziabad administration.

He warned that large-scale sacrifices could also stir communal unrest and recalled how residents had once celebrated the festival by cutting a goat-shaped cake, which was widely praised for its peaceful symbolism.

Eidgah Imam urges cleanliness, dignity in 12-point advisory

Amid rising scrutiny over animal sacrifice, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, the Imam of Eidgah, issued a 12-point advisory on Monday to encourage the Muslim community to perform the ritual with cleanliness, social responsibility, and respect for public space.

He further advised that blood from the sacrificed animals should not be allowed into drains, but instead be buried in raw soil, where it could act as natural fertiliser.

The advisory also discouraged sharing photos or videos of the sacrifice on social media, citing the potential for communal tensions and loss of sanctity.

“No video or photo of the sacrificial ritual should be taken or uploaded to social media. Distribute one part of the sacrificed animal among the poor and needy... Pray for the safety of your family and the soldiers protecting our nation on the border...,” the Imam added.

What Is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha is the second Islamic festival of the year and follows Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The date changes every year, as it's based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the Western 365-day Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for God.

According to the Quran, Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son when a voice from heaven stopped him and allowed him to make something else as a 'great sacrifice'. In the Old Testament, a ram is sacrificed instead of the son. To mark this occasion, Muslims re-enact Ibrahim's obedience with the symbolic sacrifice of a lamb, goat, cow, camel, or another animal that is then divided into threes to be shared equally among family, friends and the needy.

Eid al-Adha is called Id-ul-Adha in Arabic and Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent, because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakri'. It is a festival that is celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India.

Many Muslims wear new clothes and attend an open-air prayer meeting during Id-ul-Zuha. They may sacrifice a sheep or goat and share the meat with family members, neighbours and the poor. Many Muslims feel that they have a duty to ensure that all Muslims can enjoy a meat-based meal during this holiday.