The Kerala government has rescheduled the public holiday for Muharram from Thursday, June 25, to Friday, June 26, following confirmation of the observance date through moon sighting.
According to a report in Mathrubhumi, the revised holiday schedule was announced through an order issued by the General Administration Department. Muharram had initially been listed as a public holiday on Thursday in the State government’s official holiday calendar.
With the change, government offices, educational institutions and other establishments covered under the holiday notification will function normally on Thursday, while the public holiday will now be observed on Friday.
Holiday Revised Following Moon Sighting
The government said the decision was taken after Muharram 10, known as Ashura, was confirmed
to fall on Friday based on moon sighting.
Officials also noted that the revision was made after considering representations from various Muslim organisations seeking a change in the holiday date to align with the actual observance.
Significance Of Muharram And Ashura
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. This day marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. It is regarded as one of the holiest months in Islam and is considered second only to Ramadan in religious significance.
The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, holds special importance for Muslims around the world and is observed through various religious practices and commemorations.
Ashura is widely associated with the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. He was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The day is also linked in Islamic tradition to the deliverance of Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh and his army.
How Ashura Is Observed
Muslims mark Ashura through prayers, religious gatherings and other acts of devotion.
Shia Muslims commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain through mourning ceremonies and processions, while many Sunni Muslims observe the day through fasting, prayers and charitable activities.
Impact On Offices, Schools And Banks
The State government had originally declared Thursday as a public holiday based on the tentative Muharram date announced earlier. However, following the confirmation of Ashura’s observance on Friday, the holiday schedule has now been revised.
As Muharram is a gazetted holiday, government offices, educational institutions and banks covered by the notification will remain closed on Friday, June 26. Thursday, June 25, will be observed as a regular working day across the State.
