Government to Declare Eid el-Kabir and Muharram 1st Public Holidays in June/July 2024
The upcoming months of June and July hold significant religious and cultural importance for the Nigerian populace, with the federal government poised to declare public holidays in observance of two key occasions.
Firstly, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, has already proclaimed Sunday, June 16, as Eid el-Kabir day (Sallah), marking a major festival in the Islamic calendar. Eid el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds great significance for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing obedience to Allah through the sacrificial offering of an animal, typically a ram.
Subsequently, the government is expected to declare at least two days as public holidays later in June to commemorate the Eid el-Kabir celebration. The Ministry of Interior will make the official announcement, underscoring the importance of this religious festival in the nation’s cultural fabric.
In addition to Eid el-Kabir, the commencement of the new month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, known as Muharram 1st, will also be observed. This occasion, which falls on July 7, 2024, marks the beginning of the new religious year (1446 Hijri) for Muslims. States such as Kebbi, Sokoto, and Kwara traditionally declare the first day of Muharram as a public holiday, allowing adherents to commemorate the significance of the new year in their faith.
Public holidays serve as vital periods for religious observance and cultural festivities, providing individuals with opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community engagement. It’s important to note that if a public holiday coincides with a weekly rest day, workers are not entitled to an additional rest day. However, they may be granted leave on the actual day of the religious festival to participate in related activities.
As the federal government prepares to declare these public holidays, Nigerians eagerly anticipate the chance to observe and celebrate these cherished traditions, further enriching the cultural diversity and communal spirit of the nation.
