Idul Azha or Bakrid
Another festival of Mappila muslims is Bakrid or Valiya Perunnal
(Big festival). It is also known as Bali Perunnal (Festival of
sacrifice). It is conducted in connection with Hajj pilgrim
ceremony. Bakrid is celebrated on the 10th day of the
month of Dhul Hijah which concludes the Hajj ceremony at Makkah.
On the eve of
Idul Azha immediately after sun set, children gather and conduct
processions shouting:
“Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar
La
I la ha Illa llahu Allahu
Akbar Allahu Akbar Walillahil Hamd.”
“God is the greatest, God is the greatest
God
is great, God is great
There is no God but the
Real God. God is the greatest.
Certainly Praise is only to God."
On
Bakrid morning people go to Mosques saying the same words. In
certain areas there the Id Gah is conducted. Id Gah is simply Id
prayer conducted in open ground. Women and children also
participate in the Id Gah. The are often dressed in colorful new
dresses.
After returning from the mosque people sacrifice buffaloes,
oxen, sheep etc. Meat will be distributed to the poor. Dinner is
prepared with the meat.
Some people conduct the feast in Kerala style using palm leaves
for taking meals.
After dinner
girls and boys gather in groups and conduct entertainments.
Girls usually conduct ‘Oppana’, a peculiar kind of dance with
song. Such dances are conducted along with marriages also.
People also visit their relatives.
By Prof. Kama Pasha
