KARACHI: The Sindh government has officially declared a two-day holiday for Hindu employees in the province in celebration of Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors.
According to an official notification, Hindu employees across Sindh will observe holidays on Thursday and Friday, allowing them to fully participate in the festivities with their families and communities. This decision reflects the provincial government’s commitment to fostering religious harmony and inclusivity in the diverse population of Sindh, which is home to a significant Hindu community, particularly in districts such as Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas.
Holi, one of the most joyous and widely celebrated Hindu festivals, marks the arrival of spring and is associated with the victory of good over evil. People celebrate by smearing each other with colored powders, dancing, singing, and indulging in festive sweets and traditional delicacies. The Sindh government’s move to grant an additional holiday acknowledges the cultural significance of the festival and ensures that Hindu employees can take part in the celebrations without work-related constraints.
Meanwhile, across the border in India, authorities have issued guidelines to ensure peaceful Holi celebrations. The Mumbai police have released a strict advisory regarding Holi festivities, particularly since the festival coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. The advisory, which remains in effect until March 18, 2025, emphasizes the need for restraint, respect, and peaceful coexistence between different religious communities.
Authorities have urged citizens to be mindful of their surroundings and avoid any activities that could lead to disruptions or conflicts, particularly in areas where both Holi and Ramadan observances are taking place simultaneously. Special security measures and increased patrolling have been implemented to prevent any untoward incidents during the festival.
In Pakistan, discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of extended public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr. Although the federal government has yet to make an official announcement, there is speculation that employees may receive additional time off to celebrate the religious festival with their families.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted that the Shawal 1446 AH moon is likely to be sighted on March 30, 2025. Based on these predictions, Ramadan is expected to last for 29 days, and Eid-ul-Fitr will fall on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Typically, Eid holidays in Pakistan begin a day before Eid. If the government follows the usual pattern, public holidays are expected to start on Monday, March 31, allowing citizens to enjoy an extended break. However, if authorities decide to grant an additional holiday on Friday, March 28, a five-day long weekend could be possible, depending on the final government announcement.
As the country awaits the official notification regarding Eid holidays, many families are already planning their travel and festivities. Hotels, transport services, and markets are expected to witness a surge in activity as people prepare for one of the most significant Islamic festivals of the year.
READ MORE: Haris Rauf Introduces His Newborn Son, Reveals His Name in a Heartfelt Post
