Today, May 28, is Eid al-Adha, or the ‘feast of the sacrifice’ – an Islamic holiday that is celebrated across India. Traditionally, to honour the Quranic story of the prophet Ibrahim sacrificing his own son, the day involves the sacrifice of animals – most often, goats. In recent politics, bans or serious curbs on such sacrifices has mired the celebrations and cornered the Muslim population. The following images by PTI and Associated Press show the human face of a day that continues to make news for unsavoury reasons.People offer prayers at Nakhoda Masjid in Kolkata, Thursday, May 28, 2026. Photo: PTI/Manvender Vashist Lav.Prayers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha at Yashwantrao Chavan Ground, in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, Thursday, May 28, 2026. Photo: PTI.People offer Eid al-Adha prayers outside Fatehpuri Masjid, in New Delhi, Thursday, May 28, 2026. Photo: PTI/Kamal Kishore.Police personnel conduct a flag march for security arrangements on the eve of Bakra Eid (Eid al-Adha) festival, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo: PTI.People offer prayers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha at Yashwantrao Chavan Ground, in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, Thursday, May 28, 2026. Photo: PTI.Children arrive to offer prayers at the Ferozshah Kotla Mosque during Eid al-Adha in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013. Photo: AP/Tsering Topgyal.People offer Eid al-Adha prayers inside a Mughal garden on the outskirts of Srinagar in Kashmir, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo: Mukhtar Khan/AP.Children greet each other during Eid al-Adha prayers, in Patna, Thursday, May 28, 2026. Photo: PTI.Kashmiri Muslims offer Eid al-Adha prayers inside a Mughal garden on the outskirts of Srinagar in Kashmir, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo: Mukhtar Khan/AP.Delhi Police patrol the Jama Masjid area ahead of Bakr Eid (Eid al-Adha), in New Delhi, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo: PTI.A man carries loudspeakers as preparations underway on the eve of Eid al-Adha festival, at Brigade Parade Ground, in Kolkata, West Bengal, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo: PTI/Swapan Mahapatra.