West Bengal shifts Bakrid holiday to May 28 after revised Eid al-Adha schedule

The West Bengal government on Saturday announced that May 28 will be observed as a public holiday for Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, revising the state’s earlier holiday schedule after updated moon-sighting announcements. The decision came amid changes in the national observance calendar for the festival, which is determined according to the sighting of the crescent moon.The revised notification effectively cancels the previously announced dates linked to the Bakrid holiday in the state. Officials said the move was made to align the public holiday with the corrected date of Eid celebrations across most parts of the country.The change follows announcements by religious authorities that the crescent moon marking the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah was not sighted earlier than expected. As a result, Eid al-Adha will now be celebrated on May 28 in several parts of India instead of May 27.The Centre had also revised its own holiday notification earlier this week, shifting the Bakrid holiday for central government offices in Delhi from May 27 to May 28.With the latest revision, government offices, educational institutions, and several public establishments in West Bengal are expected to remain shut on May 28 for the festival. Banks and financial institutions may also observe closures depending on the Reserve Bank of India’s regional holiday calendar.The development has prompted authorities to update administrative schedules and holiday notifications across departments to avoid confusion among employees and the public.Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and is marked by special prayers, charitable acts, and community gatherings.The date of the festival varies each year depending on the sighting of the moon, often leading to last-minute revisions in holiday schedules by state and central governments.