Vineeta Rao
Auckland, June 5, 2025
As the crescent moon rises to mark the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, South Asian Muslim families across New Zealand, and the world, come together in prayer, reflection, and celebration for Eid al-Adha, or Bakri-Eid — one of the most sacred festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Often called the “Festival of Sacrifice,” this particular Eid commemorates the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage as well as the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, as he prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Muslims believe that this period is a time for deep spiritual reflection, sacrifice and gratitude. At the heart of the festival lies a profound message of devotion, charity, and community — values that South Asian Muslims bring with them to Aotearoa, even far from home.
Mazhar Batoor, an Aucklander originally from Afghanistan, says “Eid-al-Adah, for me, is about humility, sacrifice, and family – this is most important as we all get together to celebrate.”
A Day of Worship and Giving
In cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton, mosques swell with congregants dressed in traditional attire, offering special Eid prayers at dawn. Families greet each other with warm embraces and the phrase “Eid Mubarak,” before returning home for the ritual animal sacrifice — or its modern-day equivalent.
In New Zealand, where home slaughter is regulated and limited, many South Asian Muslims participate in pre-arranged Qurbani (sacrifice) through halal-certified butchers or charity organisations.
“Some families also choose to do Qurbani overseas through charitable organisations to reach communities in greater need. The meat from local Qurbani is distributed among family, neighbours, and those in need, following Islamic principles.” says Sarfaraz Shaikh, an Aucklander originally from India and one of the founding Trustee of the East Auckland Islamic Trust (EAIT).
Food, Family and Festive Spirit
No South Asian festival is complete without food — and Bakri-Eid is no exception. Homes are filled with the aroma of biryani, kebabs, nihari, haleem, and a variety of traditional sweets like sheer khurma, seviyan and kheer. Families often invite neighbours, friends, and members of other faiths to share in the celebration.
“Despite being far from our countries of origin, families in New Zealand proudly preserve these customs and share them with the younger generation.” Sarfaraz Shaikh says, adding, “We also encourage families to share meals with new migrants and those who may not have family here, to ensure that no one celebrates alone.”
Many South Asian community groups in New Zealand also host public Eid events, complete with cultural performances, food stalls, and children’s activities — helping younger generations maintain a connection to their heritage while integrating into Kiwi society.
Faith and Identity in a Multicultural Nation
Mohammed Tauquir Khan, affectionately known by the moniker ‘Payami,’ a throwback to his time on the airwaves as one of the first South Asian radio jockeys, is a stalwart in the community and also the Principal Advisor and founding member of Pakistan Association of New Zealand (PANZ). A long time resident of Auckland, he recalls “When I arrived in Auckland in 1986, there was just one mosque in Ponsonby and that was where everything used to happen – from namaz to Eid celebrations. Today there are 18 mosques in Auckland alone! The growth has been amazing!”
Muslims constitute 1.5% of New Zealand’s population, per the last census in 2023, totaling around 75,144 individuals who identified as such. This makes them the third largest religious group in the country after Christianity and Hinduism.
Ponsonby mosque also has come a long way since Tauquir Khan first set foot inside and today, it is almost always packed with little to no parking available. But, the silver lining, as Khan points out, lies in how New Zealand has opened up and embraced the muslim community. “There are two churches in front of the mosque and they have parking for about 100 vehicles. They provide this to us at the mosque free of charge, for namaz as well as Eid celebrations. That’s just wonderful to see!”
For many South Asian Muslims in New Zealand, Bakri-Eid is not just a religious event, but a moment to celebrate identity and community.
In a country where Muslims make up around 1.3% of the population, of which a growing number are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Fiji, the festival serves as a reminder of resilience, unity, and belonging.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
