March 30 — Eid al-Adha: how they celebrate, where the services will be held

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha on March 30, an important day in Islam that marks the end of strict fasting. Where in Russia the holiday is celebrated, what traditions are associated with it, and when the festive service will take place in 2025, Izvestia reports.

The essence of the Eid al-Adha holiday in 2025

Eid al—Adha is one of the main holidays of Muslims. It was celebrated back in the time of the Prophet Muhammad. According to legend, the prophet established the celebration of Eid al-Adha in 624. The holiday has spread along with the Muslim religion since the time of the Arab Caliphate. In the Arab tradition, it is known as Eid al-Fitr, or "the feast of thanksgiving."

On this day, devout Muslims celebrate the end of the longest and most difficult fast in the month of Ramadan. During abstinence, which lasts for 30 days, believers refuse to eat and drink during daylight hours and from any entertainment. Strict restrictions are lifted only after morning prayers on Eid al-Adha day, which is considered a symbol of spiritual growth and rebirth.

Since all Muslim holidays are set in accordance with the lunar calendar, the date of the celebration shifts every year. In 2025, it falls on a Sunday. The celebrations will begin on March 30th.

Eid al-Adha on March 30, 2025 — where to celebrate

Islam is the second largest and most influential denomination in Russia. The spread of religion in our country began in the 8th century with the Arab conquest of Derbent (a city in modern Dagestan). Currently, more than 15 million Russians practice Islam.

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In some regions of Russia, there will be an additional day off on this day.

The majority of believers live in the regions of the Volga region and the Urals, in the North Caucasus, in some areas of Siberia and the European part of Russia. In a number of regions, Eid al-Adha, as well as Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha, or "feast of sacrifice"), is officially declared a day off. And in some regions it is celebrated for several days in a row.

The Eid al-Adha day off is usually introduced in Tatarstan, Bashkiria, Chechnya, Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygea, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Karachevo-Cherkessia and the Republic of Crimea. However, since the holiday falls on a Sunday in 2025, there will be no additional days off in these regions.

Traditions and prohibitions on Eid al-Adha in 2025

There are many traditions associated with the feast of thanksgiving. They start preparing for the celebration in advance. Muslims perform a complete ablution, clean their homes, prepare national dishes and gifts for their loved ones. The celebration itself begins with sunrise.

In the morning, believers gather at mosques and at special prayer sites to thank Allah for helping them overcome the difficulties of fasting. Muslims congratulate each other with the words "Eid Mubarak!", which means "Blessed holiday!".

After prayer, it is customary to visit the graves of ancestors, congratulate older relatives and visit. Festive tables with a variety of different dishes are traditionally served on this day. Lamb dishes, pilaf, pies and sweets are served as treats.

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Also, on Eid al-Adha day, all Muslims are supposed to be generous. Therefore, another tradition of the holiday is the distribution of alms. They help not only with money, but also with food. It is strictly forbidden to slander, gossip, arrange quarrels and conflicts. Swearing on this day is condemned by Islam.

Eid al-Adha in 2025 — events

Festive Eid al-Adha services will be held on the morning of March 30 in all mosques of the country. On this day, they will be open to all believers.

In Moscow, prayer services can be held at the Moscow Cathedral, Historical mosques and the Memorial Mosque "Shuhada" on Poklonnaya Gora. Here, the festive prayer will begin at 7:00. Additionally, another playground will be organized at the Technical Sports Center in Pechatniki (Southern Administrative District). Prayer will begin there at the same time.

About 300,000 people are expected to gather for the festive prayers in the capital. For those who will not be able to attend the service in person, a live broadcast will be organized. An online broadcast of Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin's sermon from the Moscow Cathedral Mosque will begin at 9:00 a.m. It will be shown by the Rossiya 1 TV channel.

In addition, from 9:00 a.m., the festive prayer will be available to watch on the Russia 1 TV channel.

Sites for festive prayers are also organized at 37 addresses in the Moscow region.

In Kazan, the main prayer of Eid al-Adha will be held at the Al-Marjani Mosque at 5:49 a.m. And the annual Ramadan Fest festival will be held in Staro-Tatarskaya Sloboda. Performances by Tatar pop stars and local creative groups, master classes, exhibitions of retro cars and historical weapons are organized for guests. There will also be various sports sections and a halal market.

Law enforcement agencies and volunteers will provide all the necessary conditions for festive worship services and events.

Earlier, Izvestia wrote when the festive prayer for Eid al-Adha would be held in Moscow.