The West Bengal government has revised the Bakrid holiday schedule and declared May 28 as a public holiday for Eid al-Azha after updating the moon sighting announcements. The decision replaces the previously notified dates and aligns the state’s holiday calendar with the revised national observance of the Islamic holiday, bringing about changes in government offices and institutions.
The West Bengal government on Saturday announced that May 28 will be observed as a public holiday for Eid al-Azha, also known as Bakrid, revising the state’s previous holiday schedule after updating moon sighting announcements.
The decision came amid changes in the national calendar for celebrating the festival, which is determined according to the sighting of the crescent moon.The revised notification effectively cancels the previously announced dates associated with the Bakrid holiday in the state. Officials said the move was taken to align the public holiday with the correct date for Eid celebrations in most parts of the country.
The holiday schedule has been modified after the moon sighting update
This change comes in the wake of announcements by religious authorities that the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah was not seen earlier than expected.
As a result, Eid al-Adha will now be celebrated on May 28 in several parts of India instead of May 27.The Center also revised its holiday notification earlier this week, changing the Bakrid holiday for central government offices in Delhi from May 27 to May 28.
Public offices and institutions continue to be closed
With the latest review, government offices, educational institutions and several public institutions in West Bengal are expected to remain closed on May 28 on the occasion of the festival.
Banks and financial institutions may also observe closures depending on the regional holiday calendar of the Reserve Bank of India.This development has prompted authorities to update administrative schedules and holiday notices across departments to avoid confusion among employees and the public.
The festival was celebrated according to Islamic lunar calendar
Eid al-Adha, one of the most important Islamic holidays, is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival celebrates the spirit of sacrifice and features special prayers, charitable deeds, and community gatherings.The date of the festival varies each year depending on the sighting of the moon, often leading to last-minute revisions of holiday schedules by state and central governments.