The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has officially addressed and resolved the confusion regarding the public holiday for the festival of Bakrid. In a significant administrative update, the state government has issued a fresh order revising the previously scheduled date for the holiday, while according to the latest notification, the public holiday for Bakrid, also known as Eid-ul-Adha, will now be observed on May 28, 2026, which falls on a Thursday. This decision marks a shift from the earlier announced date of May 27, 2026, which was a Wednesday.
Reason for the Change in Holiday Schedule
The change in the holiday schedule was necessitated by the sighting of the moon, which governs the Islamic lunar calendar. The official letter released by the Uttar Pradesh government states that the date for the public holiday of Eid-ul-Adha has been modified to align with religious observations. The General Administration Section of the state government clarified that while the holiday was initially declared for May 27, 2026, the actual observance of the festival depends on the visibility of the moon. Consequently, after evaluating the moon sighting conditions, the government decided to move the holiday forward by one day to May 28, 2026.
Amendment to the Previous Holiday List
The government's notification further explained that in the original list of public holidays for the year 2026, the Bakrid holiday was set for May 27. However, due to the nature of the Islamic calendar and the potential for the festival date to change based on the moon, the administration took the proactive step of adjusting the date. This ensures that the public holiday coincides accurately with the actual day of the festival. The order explicitly states that May 28, 2026, will be a public holiday across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh in honor of Eid-ul-Adha.
Official Administrative Notification
This new directive also brings a necessary amendment to a previous order issued on November 17, 2025. The General Administration Section of the Uttar Pradesh government has ensured that all relevant departments are informed of this change. By shifting the holiday to Thursday, May 28, 2026, the government has provided clarity to employees and the general public. This order applies to all government offices and educational institutions across the state, ensuring a uniform observance of the holiday.
Significance of Bakrid
Bakrid, or Eid-ul-Adha, is a major festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Muslim community. It's observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, which is the final month of the Islamic calendar. This festival occurs during the period of the Hajj pilgrimage and is widely known as the festival of sacrifice. The community has already begun preparations for the upcoming celebrations, and the government's timely clarification regarding the holiday has been welcomed as it allows for better planning of the religious festivities.