CM Omar, Minister Sakina Itoo slams administration over Eid-e-Milad holiday mix-up

September 5, 2025 by News Desk

A controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir over the failure of the administration to shift the official holiday on account of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) in line with the moon sighting, drawing sharp criticism from political and religious leaders.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a post on X, accused the LG-led administration of deliberately ignoring the calendar provisions.

“The calendar printed by the Government press is very clear – ‘Subject to the appearance of the moon’. It means that the holiday is subject to change depending upon the moon being sighted. The deliberate decision by the unelected government to not shift the holiday is inconsiderate and designed to hurt the sentiments of the people,” he wrote.

The dispute arose after the administration marked Friday as the official holiday in its gazetted list, presuming that the Islamic month of Safar would end in 29 days.

However, as the moon was not sighted, Safar continued for 30 days, shifting the observance of Eid Milad to Saturday. Despite the change, the administration did not amend its notification, leaving schools, offices, and businesses shut on Friday instead of Saturday.

Earlier, Education Minister Sakina Itoo also castigated the administration for not shifting the holiday, calling it an unjust move that amounted to “playing with people’s emotions.” She stressed that such decisions should rest with an elected government rather than officials.

Joining the chorus, Mufti Nasir ul Islam termed the mismatch between the moon sighting and the government notification as “most unfortunate.” He said ignoring the religious sanctity of Eid Milad reflected a negative approach towards a revered occasion.

The controversy has stirred public resentment, with residents and religious scholars questioning why the clause “subject to moon sighting” was not honored in practice. “This is not just about a day off; it is about respecting the sanctity of our religious calendar,” said Abdul Rashid, a shopkeeper in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk.

With Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), being celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday with processions and special prayers, many feel that the holiday dispute has already overshadowed the occasion.

Leaders have urged the administration to exercise greater sensitivity in matters concerning religious observances and ensure that future notifications remain consistent with moon sightings.