&w=3840&q=100)
Muharram 2025 holiday: Will schools, colleges remain closed on July 7?
Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is observed on the 1st day of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. This year, the date is likely to fall on either July 6 or 7, depending on the moon sighting.
Most government holiday calendars currently mark Muharram on July 6. However, if the moon isn't sighted as expected, the observance may shift to July 7, potentially affecting school and office closures in many states.
Muharram is a gazetted holiday that typically sees closures of government offices, banks, and schools in states that officially observe it. At the moment, many schools have not confirmed if they will remain closed on July 7, and are expected to wait for the moon sighting and official state circulars before issuing updates.
Parents are advised to stay updated through school circulars and local government announcements. States with large Muslim populations, such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal, are likely to release notifications closer to the expected date.
In previous years, Muharram dates have varied regionally due to differences in moon sightings, often causing uncertainty around the holiday. A similar situation could occur this year as well.
What is the significance of Muharram in Islam?
Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year. The 10th day, known as Ashura, holds special importance, especially for Shia Muslims.
Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who died in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The day is observed through mourning processions, religious gatherings, and prayers across the Muslim world.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Muharram 2025 holiday: Will schools, colleges remain closed on July 7?
Muharram 2025 holiday, July 7 Holiday: With Muharram just a week away, schools and parents across India are awaiting official confirmation on whether July 7, 2025, will be declared a public holiday. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is observed on the 1st day of Muharram in the Hijri calendar. This year, the date is likely to fall on either July 6 or 7, depending on the moon sighting. Most government holiday calendars currently mark Muharram on July 6. However, if the moon isn't sighted as expected, the observance may shift to July 7, potentially affecting school and office closures in many states. Muharram is a gazetted holiday that typically sees closures of government offices, banks, and schools in states that officially observe it. At the moment, many schools have not confirmed if they will remain closed on July 7, and are expected to wait for the moon sighting and official state circulars before issuing updates. Parents are advised to stay updated through school circulars and local government announcements. States with large Muslim populations, such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal, are likely to release notifications closer to the expected date. In previous years, Muharram dates have varied regionally due to differences in moon sightings, often causing uncertainty around the holiday. A similar situation could occur this year as well. What is the significance of Muharram in Islam? Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam and marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar year. The 10th day, known as Ashura, holds special importance, especially for Shia Muslims. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who died in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The day is observed through mourning processions, religious gatherings, and prayers across the Muslim world.


India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Will Schools Be Closed On 7th July 2025 For Muharram? Holiday Status Depends On This Crucial Factor!
As the sacred Islamic month of Muharram approaches, confusion brews across India about whether Monday, July 7, 2025, will be a public holiday. For students and parents eagerly planning the week ahead, the answer hinges on one critical detail: the moon sighting. What Is Muharram and Why It's Significant Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is observed on the first day of the month of Muharram in the Hijri calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. In India, the exact date for Muharram shifts annually and depends entirely on the sighting of the moon, making advance confirmation a challenge. Tentative Date and Current Predictions As per most government holiday calendars, Muharram in 2025 is tentatively set for Sunday, July 6. However, this is not set in stone. If the moon isn't sighted as expected on the evening prior to the observance, and subsequently the holiday, it could shift to Monday, July 7. This uncertainty is why many schools and government bodies are waiting before making any official announcements. Will Schools Be Closed? Since Muharram is classified as a gazetted holiday, most government offices, banks, and schools typically remain closed in states that officially recognise the day. However, as of now, no blanket nationwide closure for July 7 has been confirmed. Several schools are expected to wait until the moon sighting and state-level circulars before issuing closure notices. States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, and Kerala, which have a larger Muslim population, are likely to observe a public holiday, depending on when Muharram falls. Why Is There So Much Confusion? Due to regional moon sighting variations, Muharram is sometimes observed on different dates in different states. This often results in last-minute notifications and confusion for schools and offices. In some regions, holidays are announced just 24 hours in advance, leaving parents and students scrambling to adjust. What Should Parents and Students Do? 1. Keep an eye on local school circulars and district education department updates 2. Watch news channels or follow state government websites for official holiday declarations 3. Stay informed about moon sighting announcements from local mosques or religious committees While the central government has listed July 6 as the tentative date for Muharram, July 7 could also be declared a holiday, depending on celestial observation. Until then, it's best to stay alert and flexible, especially if you're in a region known for observing the Muharram holiday.


India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Full list of dry days in July 2025 across India
Dry days are dates when liquor service and sales are prohibited throughout India, whether by religious festivals, national holidays, or state laws. Dry days are adhered to with respect for cultural/religious sentiments and as a measure of discipline during an event of importance. For residents and visitors alike, it's important to be mindful of dry days so that you can pre-plan, either for social gatherings and related parties or merely during the time of dry days, so you can stock up in July 2025, India will experience two significant dry days applicable in most of India. Both days are about significant religious and spiritual festivities where there is a stretch of reflection and community, rather than celebrating with liquor. The list below outlines all the details you will need for these 'dry days' and the related impacts to plan LIST OF DRY DAYS IN JULY 2025 1 July 6, 2025 (Sunday) – Muharram and Ashadi EkadashiMuharram: The first month of the Islamic calendar, observed as a month of mourning and remembrance, including by the Shia community of Muslims. Muharram is observed as a commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Ekadashi: One of the most celebrated festivals of the Hindu faith, this festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and marks the start of his four-month period of sleep (Chaturmas). Devotees fast, pray, visit temples, and offer food to In 2025, they appear to have both Muharram and Ashadi Ekadashi on the same day (July 6). Therefore, July 6 is likely to be declared a dry day in the vast majority of Indian states because alcohol sales will not occur in recognition of these festivals.2 July 10, 2025 (Thursday) – Guru Purnima Guru Purnima: In honour of a spiritual teacher and an academic teacher, it is only celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha but is a day of respect and gratitude for gurus and Guru Purnima is not an established public holiday in the States. However, in states where teacher/scholar traditions and religious traditions are respected, Guru Purnima serves as a dry day, to mark respect for the occasion, the sale of alcohol is 2025 will have two major 'dry' days July 6 (Muharram & Ashadi Ekadashi) and July 10 (Guru Purnima)—when alcohol sales will be shut down in most of India. Please note these dates on your calendar and plan your festivities or travel accordingly to have a smooth and respectful experience.- EndsTrending Reel