Muharram Holiday 2025: Will schools and offices be closed on July 6 or 7? Get the confirmed date for Ashura, school holidays, state-wise announcements, and more based on moon sighting.
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Muharram Holiday 2025: Will Schools, Colleges and Offices Remain Closed on July 6 or 7?
The arrival of Muharram 2025 marks not only the beginning of the Islamic New Year but also brings with it questions about the public holiday — will it fall on July 6 (Sunday) or shift to July 7 (Monday)? As India prepares for moon sighting to confirm the exact date of Ashura, many schools, colleges, and offices across the country are waiting for official confirmation regarding the Muharram holiday.
Why Is Muharram Significant in Islam?
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds deep spiritual significance. It is one of the four sacred months in Islam. The 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashura, is observed to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
While the day holds great importance for all Muslims, it is particularly solemn for Shia Muslims, who observe the occasion with mourning processions, religious gatherings, and reflection on sacrifice and justice.
Muharram Holiday 2025: When Is the Public Holiday?
As per the tentative calendar, July 6, 2025 (Sunday) has been marked for Ashura, but since Islamic holidays depend on the lunar calendar, the official date may shift to July 7 (Monday) after moon sighting. This shift could affect holiday announcements across schools, government offices, and private workplaces.
Expected Holiday Dates:
- Tentative Date (Ashura): July 6, 2025 (Sunday)
- Possible Shifted Holiday: July 7, 2025 (Monday)
State-wise Observance of Muharram Holiday
While the Central Government marks Muharram as a Gazetted Holiday, the final confirmation of the date is left to state governments and local authorities. If Ashura falls on July 7, then Monday may be observed as a public holiday in several states.
States likely to declare a holiday on July 7 (if date shifts):
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Telangana
- West Bengal
- Delhi
- Bihar
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
The announcement will typically be made a day or two prior based on the moon sighting and local religious bodies’ recommendations.
Impact on Schools, Colleges, and Workplaces
Since July 6 is a Sunday, most educational institutions and offices will already be closed. However, if Muharram is observed on July 7 (Monday), students and employees in states that declare it a holiday could enjoy a long weekend.
CBSE School Calendar Notes:
- Schools have reopened in most parts of India by the first week of July, post-summer vacations.
- As per the CBSE Academic Calendar 2025–26, Muharram is listed for July 6.
- If the date shifts to July 7, schools in some regions will announce Monday as a holiday accordingly.
Employees in government and private offices should stay tuned to state government circulars and company-wide notifications for final confirmation.
Why Moon Sighting Matters
The Islamic calendar is based on the Hijri lunar cycle, and each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. This is why Islamic festivals like Muharram and Eid do not have a fixed Gregorian calendar date and may differ slightly from year to year.
Other Holidays in July 2025
Besides Muharram, early July doesn’t have any major public holidays. This makes the Muharram break more anticipated, especially by students and office-goers hoping for a brief mid-year respite.
Conclusion: Wait for the Moon — and the Official Notice
As of now, July 6, 2025, is tentatively marked as Muharram (Ashura). However, a moon sighting on the evening of July 5 will ultimately confirm whether July 6 or July 7 will be the official public holiday.
Stay updated by checking with your state government’s holiday circulars, school announcements, and office HR portals to confirm the closure.