Asia: Muslims in Asia to observe Eid al-Adha June 14-25

Muslims in Asia will observe and celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) June 14-25. The exact date varies between June 16-17, depending on local lunar sightings by country. Government offices, private businesses, and financial institutions may close in areas with a significant Muslim population for at least three days. Notably, Maldives will observe a government holiday June 16-20.

Eid al-Adha typically passes peacefully in most areas, but increased security and unrest are possible in several countries.

Afghanistan
Eid al-Adha is to be observed June 17. An upsurge in militant violence is possible ahead of and during Eid al-Adha (Eid-e-Qurban, Loy Akhtar) celebrations. Militant groups, such as the Islamic State (IS), may stage attacks during festivities in Kabul, especially near religious sites, residential neighborhoods, and urban centers. IS has carried out several attacks on members of minority sects and religions around religious holidays in recent years, particularly with vehicle-borne explosives. The group also frequently targets Taliban officials. Increased security is possible in Kabul and provincial capitals.

Bangladesh
The religious observance is on June 17, with holidays June 14-17. Previous Eid al-Adha festivities have largely passed without incident; however, authorities are typically on high alert for the holiday to prevent attacks by known militant groups - mainly linked to the Islamic State - such as the neo-Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (neo-JMB). An IS-claimed mass-casualty attack occurred in Dhaka during the 2016 Ramadan holiday. Security personnel will likely set up checkpoints on highways and boost security at government buildings, consulates, prominent commercial centers, cattle markets, religious sites, transport hubs, and other potential targets. Heavy congestion on rail, road, and river transport typically delays travel for up to 15 hours, especially when exiting Dhaka. A high volume of domestic travel is almost certain June 13-24.

China
Eid al-Adha will likely be celebrated June 16-17. While significant unrest is unlikely, tensions will probably be elevated amid tight security in parts of western China, especially in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The government could implement measures such as strictly monitoring religious sermons throughout the region. Eid al-Adha is also an important observance in areas populated by the Muslim Hui minority. Any perceived attempt by authorities to limit the observance may prompt localized protests that are likely to be controlled quickly.

India
India will observe Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) on June 17. Incidents or allegations of cow slaughter have sparked communal clashes in parts of India ahead of Bakrid in previous years; the slaughter of cows is illegal in most parts of India. Increased religious tensions are more likely in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh states, and other rural parts of western and northern India with large, mixed populations of Hindus and Muslims. Clashes are also possible in coastal parts of Karnataka State, which serve as transit points for trucks conveying cattle to legal slaughterhouses in neighboring Kerala State. India also remains a target for known and active Islamist terror groups, though no significant attack on civilians or during holidays has occurred in the recent decade.

Indonesia
Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Idul Adha/Lebaran Haji) celebrations will occur June 17. Communal violence or tension between Christians and Muslims is possible in some areas. Security forces and Muslims in Papua Province may be on especially high alert due to previous clashes between Muslims and the Christian-majority indigenous population. Members of some Islamist groups could increase harassment of religious minorities, particularly in areas with known communal tensions, including Poso in Central Sulawesi Province and parts of the Jakarta metropolitan area.

Pakistan
Pakistan will observe Eid al-Adha from the night of June 16; the holidays will last June 17-19. Authorities typically tighten security around prominent commercial centers, cattle markets, religious sites, and other crowded locations. Islamist militants have previously bombed mosques during Eid al-Adha, and rumors of potential attacks on religious sites may circulate. Areas at an elevated threat from an attack include places of worship used by minority sects, including mosques, Shi'a imambargahs (congregation halls), and Sufi shrines, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The Philippines
Eid al-Adha holiday will be celebrated June 17. Authorities will likely heighten security, particularly in Metro Manila and the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines, due to the persistent threat from IS-inspired militant organizations, including the Abu Sayyaf Group. Increased security is possible around sensitive sites, including major government buildings, religious venues, transport hubs, markets, and other crowded locations. The security measures may prompt localized transport and business disruptions.