The federal government has announced a five-day holiday for Eid ul Azha, the Islamic festival of sacrifice, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, all public offices will remain closed from Tuesday (June 27) to Saturday (July 1, 2023).
The announcement came soon after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee confirmed the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon on Monday, marking the start of the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad presided over the moon-sighting meeting in Karachi.
Eid ul Azha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) to obey God, who then provided a ram as a substitute. Eid ul Azha marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide with prayers, charity, and feasting.
One of the main traditions of Eid ul Azha is to sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, and share the meat among family, friends, and people with low incomes. The meat is usually cooked in various ways, depending on the region and culture.
In Pakistan, Eid ul Azha is also a time for social gatherings, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, and visiting relatives and friends. Many people also travel to their hometowns or other places to celebrate the occasion with their loved ones.
Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Eid ul Azha holidays will begin from 9 Zul Hijjah to 12 Zul Hijjah, from Tuesday, June 27 to Friday, June 30, while Saturday and Sunday will be included as weekend holidays.