Suhail Rather
Srinagar, June 8: In view of Eid al‑Adha falling this weekend—with official holidays on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8—government employees on Sunday appealed JK Government for a one‑day extension, requesting Monday, June 9, as an additional holiday.
“EID is the major festival of Muslims and Eid ul Adha is celebrated for 3 days. We hope JK Govt extends one day holiday in favor of employees and make it a routine,” several employees told Kashmir Convener. “Govt can adjust this holiday by cancelling some other muslim holiday that’s least important,” They added.
While the current holiday spans two and a half days (including Sunday half‑day), the extension to Monday would allow ample time for families to engage fully in religious observances and cultural celebrations, facilitating travel and reunion as part of the tradition on Eids.
“Unlike Eid ul Fitr, Locals said, Eid ul Adha demands an extended holiday owing to tradtition of distribution of sacrificial meat to friends and relatives,” enployees said , adding that extended holiday will help employees to join social interactions.
Eid al‑Adha is observed on June 7–8, 2025, following moon sighting protocols. In many regions—and even internationally—similar three‑day breaks have been adopted to accommodate the festival. For example, certain federal bodies are closed from June 5 to 9.
On Sunday Kashmir University announced holiday on Monday and postponed all exams scheduled on Monday. Most of the Private Schools in Kashmir have already extended one day holiday.
Employees emphasize that an extra holiday would not only honor the spirit of the festival, but also boost morale, productivity and community engagement post‑festival.