Holy Day or School Day? Muharram’s Lunar Twist Keeps Parents Guessing

While India is celebrating the sacred Islamic month of Muharram, the question remains whether Monday, July 7, 2025, would be a public holiday. Although the government's initial calendar had marked July 6 (Sunday) as the likely date for Ashura—the 10th day of Muharram—moon sightings have shifted expectations to bring the most likely observance to July 7. This has caused students, parents, and institutions across the nation to wait for the final confirmation.

Closure Watch

If Muharram is announced to occur on July 7, schools, colleges, and government offices in certain states would be likely to be closed

The likely states that will declare a holiday include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra Telangana, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka

The last authority rests with state governments and district administrations, depending on religious advice and local moon sighting reports

CBSE had declared July 6 a holiday provisionally, but schools are now preparing for an expected Monday closure

Religious Significance

Muharram is the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is also considered as one of the four sacred months in Islam

Ashura, the 10th day, is dear to the hearts of the Shia Muslims as it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD

Observances are funeral processions, fasting, and collective prayers

Sunni Muslims similarly commemorate Ashura through fasting and meditation

Regional Variations

In Karnataka, July 6 has been announced as a public holiday, but since it is a Sunday, everyone wishes for a holiday on July 7 as a substitute.

Offices and schools in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh states will have to issue closure notices if the moon sighting indicates that Ashura will take place on Monday.

Some districts also have monsoon-linked shutdowns, which contribute to the uncertainty

What to Expect Parents and students must look at school apps, WhatsApp groups, and local news for official notifications of closure

Government agencies and banks can post state-specific notices based upon the date of last observation

If it's held on July 7, the holiday will be a long weekend for most, following Saturday and Sunday

Sources: Moneycontrol, Indian Express, OneIndia, Republic World, Jagran Josh, Goodreturns, Financial Express

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