Eid ul-Adha / Id el-Kabir 2026 — How Many Days Until Eid ul-Adha / Id el-Kabir?

Name: Eid ul-Adha / Id el-Kabir
Location: Nigeria

About Eid ul-Adha / Id el-Kabir

Id el-Kabir — Nigeria's name for Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice — is one of the two major Islamic holidays in Nigeria and is observed as a three-day national public holiday. It falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, coinciding with the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

The central act of Id el-Kabir is the Qurbani — the ritual slaughter of a sheep, goat, cow, or camel — commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The meat is divided into three portions: for the family, for friends and neighbours, and for the poor. This distribution is taken seriously in Nigerian communities, where sharing "Sallah meat" with neighbours regardless of their religion is a deeply embedded social tradition.

As with Eid el-Fitr, the Kano and Katsina Durbar festivals are held for Id el-Kabir, featuring the renowned equestrian processions of emirs and traditional rulers. Nigerian Muslims who perform Hajj return home around this period, and their return is often celebrated by extended family gatherings.

Id el-Kabir is Nigeria's name for Eid ul-Adha — the Festival of Sacrifice
It is a three-day national public holiday in Nigeria
The Kano Durbar for Id el-Kabir is one of the most celebrated cultural events in West Africa
Sharing "Sallah meat" with neighbours of all faiths is a central Nigerian Id el-Kabir tradition
Nigerian Hajj pilgrims number among the largest national contingents travelling to Mecca each year

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Id el-Kabir in Nigeria?

Id el-Kabir falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. The date shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.

Is Id el-Kabir a public holiday in Nigeria?

Yes — Id el-Kabir is a three-day national public holiday in Nigeria, observed across all states.

Why is it called Id el-Kabir?

"Id el-Kabir" means "the Greater Eid" in Arabic — distinguishing it from Eid el-Fitr (the Lesser Eid). The "greater" designation reflects its religious significance and its connection to Hajj.