Eid ul Adha 2026: Expected Date, Holidays and Prayer Timings
Eid ul Adha 2026 was observed in Pakistan on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the sighting of the Zilhaj moon on 17 May. The committee, meeting at the Pakistan Meteorological Department office in Karachi, received credible testimonies of the crescent from several parts of the country and announced with consensus that the first of Zilhaj 1447 AH fell on Monday, 18 May — fixing the festival on the 10th of Zilhaj.
Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, the festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command, a test of faith that was divinely interrupted when a ram was provided in his place. Across Pakistan, the day began with large congregational Eid prayers in mosques, open grounds and Eidgahs, followed by the ritual sacrifice of livestock and the distribution of meat among relatives, friends and the underprivileged.
Eid ul Adha 2026: Holidays Announced Across Pakistan
The federal government declared three public holidays for the festival: Tuesday 26 May, Wednesday 27 May and Thursday 28 May, according to the Cabinet Division notification issued on 20 May with the approval of the Prime Minister. Because the Eid holidays fell midweek, many employees effectively enjoyed a five-day break when the weekend of 30–31 May was counted in.
The Sindh government went a step further, announcing a four-day holiday from 26 to 29 May for all government and autonomous bodies in the province. Utility companies also issued special arrangements: the Sui Southern Gas Company announced uninterrupted gas supply from 7:30 AM until midnight on the first two days of Eid so families could prepare festive meals without interruption.
Eid Prayer Timings and Congregations
Eid prayers were held shortly after sunrise in cities across the country, typically between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM depending on the locality. Major congregations took place at Lahore’s Badshahi Mosque, Karachi’s Polo Ground and National Stadium vicinity, Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque and Peshawar’s historic mosques. Ulema in their sermons emphasised the spirit of sacrifice, charity and care for the poor, urging the faithful to share qurbani meat with deserving families.
Security arrangements were tightened around large prayer venues, with police and traffic plans in place in all major cities. Local administrations designated specific spots for the disposal of animal waste and offal to keep streets clean during the three days of sacrifice, and municipal staff worked extended shifts through the holiday.
Qurbani: Rules, Shares and Animal Prices
Qurbani is wajib (obligatory) for every adult Muslim who owns the nisab — the minimum wealth threshold — and it is performed from Fajr of the 10th of Zilhaj until sunset of the 12th of Zilhaj. For this year’s festival, the rules were unchanged: a goat, sheep or dumba counts as one person’s qurbani, while a cow, buffalo or camel can be shared by up to seven people. The meat is traditionally divided into three parts — for the family, for relatives and friends, and for the poor.
Animal prices in 2026 ran 15 to 20 per cent higher than the previous year on account of fodder costs. A bakra (goat) typically cost between Rs. 35,000 and Rs. 150,000 or more depending on breed and size, a cow share ranged from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000, and a full cow cost Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 500,000 or above. Livestock markets at Karachi’s Northern Bypass, Lahore’s Shahpur Kanjra and cattle mandis across Punjab and Sindh saw heavy footfall in the days before Eid, with traders reporting early arrivals of bulls, Kamori goats and Gulabi bakras.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Eid ul Adha 2026 in Pakistan?
Eid ul Adha 2026 was observed on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, after the Zilhaj moon was sighted on 17 May.
How many holidays were announced for Eid ul Adha 2026?
The federal government announced three holidays (26–28 May); Sindh announced four (26–29 May).
What time were Eid prayers held?
Eid prayers were generally held between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM, shortly after sunrise, in mosques and Eidgahs nationwide.
Who must perform qurbani?
Qurbani is wajib for every adult Muslim who owns nisab wealth, performed from Fajr of 10th Zilhaj to sunset of 12th Zilhaj.
How is qurbani meat divided?
Traditionally into three equal parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.
Read more on the Eid ul Adha 2026 guide and Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026. Official announcements were reported by The News and The News.
Eid ul Adha 2026: Dates, Holidays and Guidance
Eid ul adha 2026 falls on 10 Zilhajj, with the exact Gregorian date confirmed by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s moon sighting. The expected eid ul adha 2026 date determines the eid ul adha holidays pakistan announcement, which typically covers three working days around the festival.
Also known as bakra eid 2026 date in common parlance, the festival centres on the Sunnah of sacrifice. Check your local mosque for the eid ul adha namaz timing, as congregations are scheduled in shifts to accommodate crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Eid date decided? By the sighting of the Zilhajj moon, announced by the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
How many holidays are announced? Usually three, though the official notification confirms the exact days.
What are the qurbani rules? One sheep or goat per person, or a share in a cow or camel among seven people, distributed in three parts.
More on Eid ul Adha Preparations
As eid ul adha 2026 approaches, cattle markets spring up in every major city, and buyers should inspect animals carefully for health. The expected eid ul adha 2026 date announcement triggers the official eid ul adha holidays pakistan notification, which banks and government offices follow. Families often call it the bakra eid 2026 date when planning travel to hometowns.
Mosques publish the eid ul adha namaz timing a day or two before, with multiple congregations to manage crowds. Remember the qurbani meat distribution: one part for family, one for relatives and one for the poor.
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