Bakrid Chaos in India: Violence Erupts Among Worshippers in Sambhal, Moradabad, and Bijnor, UP!

Bakrid 2025: A Day of Celebration, Chaos, and Controversy Across Uttar Pradesh

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most significant festivals for Muslims around the world. It is a day of devotion, sacrifice, and celebration. However, in Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, this year’s Bakrid was marked by a mix of joyous festivities, unfortunate incidents, and controversies that captured the attention of the entire nation. While some places witnessed peaceful celebrations, others became hotspots of tension, chaos, and even tragedy.

This is the story of how Bakrid unfolded across Uttar Pradesh in 2025, highlighting the highs and lows of the festival in cities like Sambhal, Moradabad, Bijnor, and beyond.

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Celebrations Amid Tight Security

In Uttar Pradesh, Bakrid was celebrated under tight security arrangements to ensure peace and order. The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, had issued strict guidelines to prevent any untoward incidents. Police forces were deployed in large numbers, and drones were used to monitor the situation in key cities like Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Lucknow.

The streets of Uttar Pradesh came alive early in the morning as Muslims dressed in their finest attire gathered at mosques and Eidgahs to offer prayers. Over 3,000 mosques and 4,000 Eidgahs across the state saw large congregations of worshippers. In Agra, even the iconic Taj Mahal became a site of devotion as hundreds of people gathered to pray in its shadow.

In Ghaziabad, a unique and symbolic act of sacrifice caught everyone’s attention. Instead of sacrificing animals, some people chose to cut a cake adorned with an image of a goat. This gesture was reportedly inspired by BJP MLA Nand Kishore Gurjar’s appeal, urging people to celebrate Bakrid in an eco-friendly and non-violent manner. The act received mixed reactions, with some praising the initiative and others criticizing it for deviating from traditional practices.

Tragedy in Bijnor: A Life Lost During Sacrifice

In Bijnor, a tragic incident overshadowed the celebrations. A 65-year-old meat trader named Tasleem Qureshi suffered a fatal heart attack while performing the ritual sacrifice of a buffalo. Witnesses reported that Qureshi suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed to the ground. His family rushed him to the hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The incident left the local community in shock. For many, it was a stark reminder of the fragility of life, even on a day meant for celebration. Qureshi’s family members mourned his loss, while neighbors expressed their condolences and shared in their grief.

Tensions in Sambhal: Blood Outside an MP’s Residence

In Sambhal, the festival took a darker turn when blood was found spilled outside the residence of local MP Zia Ur Rahman Barq. The sight of blood sparked outrage among residents, who staged a protest demanding answers and action. While the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, it added to the tension in the area, with locals accusing authorities of failing to maintain order.

The police were quick to respond, assuring the public that an investigation was underway. However, the incident highlighted the fragile communal harmony in the region, which has seen its share of controversies in the past.

Chandauli: Broken Car Windows and Road Blockades

In Chandauli, another incident disrupted the festive mood. A group of worshippers found the windows of their car shattered after attending prayers. Enraged by the act of vandalism, the group staged a road blockade, bringing traffic to a standstill. The situation escalated as tempers flared, but the police intervened to defuse the tension.

After calming the crowd, the authorities assured the victims that the culprits would be identified and brought to justice. While the immediate crisis was averted, the incident left a sour taste for those affected, who had hoped to spend the day in peace and celebration.

Bareilly: A Call for Unity Against Terrorism

In Bareilly, the focus shifted to a message of unity and peace. Shabbuddin Ravi, the national president of the Indian Muslim Jamaat, made an appeal to clerics and religious leaders to use their sermons on Bakrid to speak out against terrorism. He urged the Muslim community to emphasize the values of compassion, humanity, and coexistence that lie at the heart of Islam.

The appeal was well-received by many, with clerics incorporating messages of peace and brotherhood into their sermons. In a time when communal tensions often threaten to overshadow the spirit of festivals, this call for unity served as a beacon of hope.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Directives

Ahead of Bakrid, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a law-and-order meeting to ensure that the festival was celebrated peacefully across the state. In the meeting, he emphasized the importance of respecting religious sentiments while maintaining law and order.

Adityanath issued clear directives prohibiting the sacrifice of certain animals, including cows, nilgai (blue bulls), and camels, which are considered sacred by many communities in India. He also instructed district administrations to designate specific areas for sacrifices and to ensure that no sacrifices took place in public spaces or on roads.

The CM’s orders included a strict warning against any form of disturbance or unrest. Police officers were instructed to take immediate action in case of any complaints or disputes, without waiting for formal written reports. These measures were aimed at preventing incidents that could disrupt communal harmony.

Drone Surveillance and Police Marches

To enforce these directives, the police remained on high alert throughout the state. In cities like Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Lucknow, drones were deployed to monitor large gatherings and ensure compliance with the regulations. Police teams conducted foot marches in sensitive areas to reassure residents and deter any potential troublemakers.

The heightened security measures were largely successful in maintaining peace in most parts of the state. However, the incidents in Sambhal, Chandauli, and other places served as reminders of the challenges involved in managing such a large and diverse population during a major festival.

A Mixed Bag of Emotions

As the day drew to a close, Bakrid 2025 left behind a trail of mixed emotions across Uttar Pradesh. For many, it was a day of joy, devotion, and togetherness, celebrated in the true spirit of the festival. For others, it was marred by tragedy, tension, and controversy.

The incidents in Bijnor, Sambhal, and Chandauli highlighted the need for greater vigilance and stronger efforts to foster communal harmony. At the same time, the symbolic sacrifices in Ghaziabad and the calls for unity in Bareilly showed that the festival could also be an opportunity to bridge divides and promote peace.

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Conclusion: A Festival of Reflection

Bakrid is a time of sacrifice and reflection, a day to remember the values of faith, compassion, and humanity. This year’s celebrations in Uttar Pradesh were a microcosm of the challenges and complexities facing modern India—a nation striving to balance tradition and progress, unity and diversity.

As the state moves forward, the lessons from Bakrid 2025 will hopefully inspire greater efforts to build a society where festivals can be celebrated without fear or division, and where the true spirit of the occasion can shine through. For the people of Uttar Pradesh, the hope remains that future celebrations will bring more joy and less discord, uniting communities in the shared spirit of faith and festivity.