Eid holiday begins today

A long seven-day holiday for the holy Eid-ul-Fitr has begun across the country from today, Tuesday, March 17. Yesterday, Monday (March 16) was the last working day before Eid-ul-Fitr.

According to the government holiday list, today, Tuesday, is a public holiday for the holy Shab-e-Qadr. Alongside this, a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23 has been scheduled for Eid.

Although offices were initially set to remain open on Wednesday, March 18, the cabinet meeting later approved a proposal to declare a holiday on that day as well. Subsequently, on March 8, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification declaring March 18 a holiday by executive order.

According to the government holiday list, Eid day on March 21 will be a general holiday. Additionally, March 19 and 20 before Eid, and March 22 and 23 after Eid, have been declared additional holidays by executive order. In total, government officials and employees will enjoy a seven-day holiday from March 17 to 23.

After the holidays, government offices, courts, banks, insurance companies and other government, private and autonomous institutions will resume regular activities from March 24.

As such, from yesterday evening, crowds of homebound people were seen at bus terminals, railway stations and launch ghats. The joy of returning home is visible in everyone's faces.

Despite the announcement of consecutive holidays, several emergency services have been kept outside the purview of this holiday in public interest. These include electricity, water, gas and other fuel supply, fire service, port activities, sanitation services, telephone and internet services, postal services, and vehicles and personnel associated with these services.

Additionally, hospitals and emergency medical services, doctors and related staff, and vehicles carrying medicines and medical equipment will also remain outside the holiday purview. Offices involved in urgent work will also remain open.

Subject to the sighting of the moon, the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of Muslims, may be celebrated in the country on March 21.