Dr. Fred Matiang’i Declares Friday May 14th Public Holiday

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has declared Friday, May 14 a public holiday to allow Muslims to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr which marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan.

This was announced on Friday in a Gazette Notice issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government, in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) of Public Holidays Act, declares that Friday 14 May 2021, shall be a Public Holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr,” read the gazette notice from Matiang’i dated May 5.

Muslims around the world observe the day to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadhan where they reflect on their consecrations and the impact on their lives.

Idd-ul-Fitr, or Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadhan.

The day is spent with friends and family as they get together indulging in eating and handing out gifts. This year, however, Muslims will have to contend with the complications brought about by the new coronavirus, which has seen the government ban large gatherings.

The date for the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new moon is sighted by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality.

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