Eid Al Adha 2026: Why An Entire UP Village Stopped Bakrid Sacrifice Nearly Two Decades Ago
Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The festival symbolises faith, sacrifice, and devotion, with families gathering for prayers, feasts, and the traditional ritual of qurbani. While animal sacrifice is a major part of the celebrations in most places, one village in Uttar Pradesh has followed a very different tradition for nearly 19 years.
While Bakrid is being celebrated across the country, Musahara village in Uttar Pradesh’s Sant Kabir Nagar follows a very unusual tradition; animal sacrifice is not allowed here. The village reportedly remains under strict police monitoring during Eid al-Adha every year.
According to reports, goats brought for sacrifice are taken into police custody a day before Bakrid and returned only after the festival ends. Locals say sacrifices were never traditionally performed in the village for many years.
However, in 2007, sacrifices were allegedly carried out after the intervention of former BSP MLA Tabish Khan. This reportedly triggered tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in the village.
The dispute soon escalated into violence, vandalism, looting, and arson. Police later arrested 29 people in connection with the clashes. Since then, strict restrictions have remained in place during Bakrid celebrations.
Apart from Bakrid, Holika Dahan celebrations are also considered sensitive in the village due to the past communal dispute. Heavy police deployment is arranged every year to maintain peace.
Ahead of Eid al-Adha 2026, District Magistrate Alok Kumar and SP Sandeep Kumar Meena held a peace committee meeting and carried out foot patrols in the village. Officials appealed to residents to maintain harmony and warned of strict action against anyone trying to disturb law and order.
