You may have noticed vans carrying cows on the roads of the island, as today marks Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha also known as the ‘festival of sacrifice’ and celebrations here and across the globe. The cows you may have seen are used in a sacrifice. Bakra Eid is also an occasion of joy and peace, where people celebrate with their families, let go of past grudges and make meaningful connections with one another.
Around 5am this morning, I heard the sound of cattle moaning quite loudly. It was the kind of unfamiliar sound that would wake you from a deep sleep. I found the sound quite eerie. I knew there would be a sacrifice today but I didn't know that it would take place at people's homes. I immediately got up and went to investigate the sounds and witnessed the cow being slaughtered. I know the animal felt some peace after my neighbours explained that the ritual surrounding the sacrifice is to make sure the animal feels the least pain possible.
So back to the 5am wake up call, the cows are purchased by families and taken home for the sacrificial ritual. As I sit and write this our neighbours are sacrificing another cow, they tie the feet of the animal and the entire family gather to witness the event. I can hear murmurs from the cow and prayer; everything feels very serene and surprisingly calm after the earlier hustle-bustle. According to the Quran, Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael in an ultimate act of his faith. While his son was obviously in distress, he still instructed his father to honour Allah's wishes. As they stood on Mount Arafat, with Ibrahim ready to sacrifice his son, the angel Gabriel told him he had already demonstrated his love for Allah. So instead a goat was sacrificed and every year, Muslims mimic the sacrifice by slaughtering similar animals.
The animals are then cut into three parts: one given to the poor and hungry, the second part to be given to family and friends and the third is kept by the family who owned the animal. The tradition is observed all over the world and under different rules depending on the country. I know that in the UK the sacrifice takes place in a slaughterhouse and family gather for the celebrations to exchange gifts, cards and money, as well as donating to charity.
Something that strikes me is the juxtaposition of the sound of the modern tram bell ringing, the sound of Mauritian music booming from cars, kids playing at school and the school bell ringing then the occasional sounds of sacrificial cow moaning all against the low murmur of prayer. There's something very ethereal about it.
As an expat in Mauritius it's a very different experience of the celebration and this is fascinating to me. Our neighbours are open and very welcoming of questions, this is such a great way to learn and have first hand experiences of other religions. On many occasions when they are celebrating a festival they will bring us traditional sweets, cakes, Briyani and lots more so we can taste and be part of it. As an expat in Mauritius I've really embraced the fact that there are so many religions living side by side.
