Assam Govt declares August 20 as “Half Holiday” on account of Muharram instead of August 19

“Half Holiday” on account of Muharram

GUWAHATI: The government of Assam today declared August 20, 2021, as a half-holiday on account of "Muharram" instead of 19 August 2021 for the state of Assam.

The State government's decision has been made as per the Office Memorandum of the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, and on decision received from the State Hilal Committee, Assam in this regard.

What is Muharram?

The Islamic calendar's first month, Muharram is ten or twelve days shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in the West.

Because the term Muharram means "not permitted" or "barred," Muslims are forbidden from participating in activities such as fighting during this month and instead utilize it for prayer and meditation.

This year, the Muharram crescent was seen on August 9 in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and other Arab countries, with the first day of Muharram falling on August 10.