Govt announces three-day public holiday for Eidul Azha

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced three days of public holidays from May 26 to May 28 for Eidul Azha, according to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

The prime minister has approved the three-day holiday period for the religious festival, the notification said.

“All government offices across the country will remain closed on May 26, 27 and 28, which fall on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday,” it added.

Earlier reports had suggested that Eidul Azha was likely to fall on June 7, depending on the sighting of the Zul Hijjah moon.

Astronomical forecasts indicated slim chances of the moon being sighted on May 27, due to its young age at sunset, while visibility was expected to improve by May 28.

If confirmed, the first day of Zul Hijjah would fall on May 29, placing Eidul Azha on June 7, subject to the final announcement by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee based on moon sighting.

Eidul Azha, one of Islam’s two major festivals, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

A key ritual of the festival is Qurbani, the sacrifice of animals such as goats, cows, sheep and camels, with the meat distributed among family members, relatives and the underprivileged, symbolising charity and social solidarity.