Sri Vijaya Puram, May 27: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has revised the notified holiday for Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), shifting the observance from May 27 to May 28, 2026, following confirmation linked to moon sighting traditions associated with the festival.
The revised order was issued on Tuesday through an official notification, superseding the earlier declaration made under the Administration’s annual holiday notification dated November 12, 2025. The decision impacts all Government Offices, Autonomous Bodies, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and Educational Institutions functioning under the A&N Administration.
According to the Administration, the change was necessitated after the festival date was aligned with moon sighting observations, a customary religious practice followed for determining the exact day of Id-ul-Zuha celebrations. Bakrid, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar and commemorates the spirit of sacrifice and devotion.
With the revised order now in force, May 28, 2026, will be observed as the official public holiday across the Union Territory instead of May 27. Government departments and institutions that were earlier expected to remain closed on Wednesday will now function normally and instead observe closure on Thursday.
The notification is expected to bring clarity for government employees, students, educational institutions and public-facing departments, especially in sectors where scheduling and public service delivery are directly linked to notified holidays. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges under the Administration, will also remain closed on the revised holiday date.
The shift in holiday schedules due to moon sighting is not uncommon during Islamic festivals such as Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha, as the Islamic calendar is based on lunar observations. In many parts of the country, state governments and administrations often issue revised notifications closer to the festival date depending on confirmed sightings of the crescent moon.
In the islands, preparations for Bakrid celebrations have already begun in several localities, with markets witnessing increased activity in the run-up to the festival. Religious gatherings, community prayers and charitable activities are expected to mark the observance across different islands of the Union Territory.
Officials indicated that all departments and institutions concerned have been informed about the revised schedule to ensure smooth implementation of the holiday order. Citizens have also been advised to take note of the revised closure date while planning visits to government offices and public institutions.
Bakrid, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds deep religious significance for the Muslim community and is traditionally marked by prayers, family gatherings and acts of charity. The festival is observed widely across India and several countries around the world.
The Administration’s revised order effectively brings the Union Territory’s holiday schedule in line with the confirmed religious observance date, ensuring uniformity in official closure across departments and institutions.
