By Spy Uganda
Ministry of Public Service has announced that Friday, 21 April will be a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr, a religious festival for all Muslims around which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
This was disclosed in an official announcement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Catherine Bitarakwate dated Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Eid al-Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. It falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar; this does not always fall on the same Gregorian day, as the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities.
“The Honorable Minister of Public Service informal the general public that tomorrow 21st April 2023 is Eid al Fitr and will be observed as a Public Holiday throughout Uganda pursuant to the Public Holiday Acts, 1965,” reads Bitarakwate’s announcement.
Eid al-Adha, or “feast of the sacrifice,” celebrated this year from July 9-10, marks the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to Allah. In Christianity and Judaism, this is told as the story of Abraham and his son Isaac.
On Eid, Muslims traditionally have a light breakfast and then head to the mosque for a special prayer and a sermon.
After praying, Muslim families gather and exchange gifts. Traditional dishes and sweets are also made and exchanged.
During this celebration, some Muslims volunteer at soup kitchens or food pantries, and in Islamic countries, people usually get all three days of the celebration off from work. Wish all Muslims a blessed Eid.
