Srinagar, Muzaffarabad: Today is June 1, 2025, and in just a few days, the people of Kashmir will celebrate Eid al-Adha. Both administrations—Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir (J\&K)—have issued official notifications outlining their respective holiday schedules.
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This news is significant not only for Kashmir but also for readers in Pakistan and India, since the region is split between the two countries and their administrations.
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Holidays in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)
- The Government of Pakistan has released its 2025 public holiday calendar, confirming a four-day holiday for Eid al-Adha on June 7, 8, 9, and 10.
- The notification specifies that a final announcement concerning the sighting of the moon—and thus the exact holiday dates—will be issued separately.
- Additionally, many government offices and educational institutions will remain closed on June 10 (10 Dhu al-Hijjah) in observance of the Eid celebration.
Residents have welcomed this three-day break. Schools and colleges have already begun their vacation preparations, while local business associations are considering their own shutdowns during the holiday.
Holidays in Indian-Administered Jammu & Kashmir (J&K)
- The J\&K government issued its 2025 holiday schedule, declaring June 7 and 8 as official holidays for Eid al-Adha.
- Since June 8 falls on a Sunday, it doubles as both the weekly holiday and the first day of the Eid holiday.
- The calendar also includes regional observances—such as “Kashmir Martyrs’ Day” and “Milad un-Nabi”—although these do not directly pertain to the Eid festivities.
- Government offices and educational institutions across the Jammu division will be closed on these two days.
While the J\&K Employees’ Union has expressed satisfaction with the two-day holiday, some groups are demanding a third day off. They argue that several Indian states grant three days off for Eid, so J\&K should do the same.
The Context of a Divided Kashmir and Public Sentiment
Kashmir remains a disputed state.
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir, under Pakistani administration, has declared three days of Eid al-Adha holidays.
- Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir has set aside two days for the festival, aligning with India’s standard practice of combining Sunday with a designated holiday.
This division adds sensitivity to the holiday announcement. Residents in AJK appreciate the extra day off, while those in Indian-administered Kashmir, though generally satisfied, continue to lobby for a third day.
Preparations and Marketplace Activity
As Eid draws near, markets, butcher shops, and bazaars in Kashmir have become bustling hubs:
- Butchers have begun taking orders for sacrificial animals—cows, buffaloes, and goats—at prices ranging from PKR 150,000 to PKR 250,000.
- Restaurants and hotels have launched special Eid al-Adha menus, while many families are arranging on-site slaughtering services.
- Clothing retailers report increased foot traffic, especially for traditional attire and footwear for elders and children.
Citizens’ Expectations and Demands
- Government employee unions demand that J&K also extend the Eid holiday to three days, ensuring parity with other Indian states and AJK.
- Traders’ associations have suggested that if a longer holiday is granted, markets should adjust operating hours before and after Eid to prevent business losses.
- Student organizations and teachers’ unions recommend adjusting exam schedules so that students receive adequate rest and preparation time following the Eid break.
Moon-Sighting Process
- The definitive date for Eid al-Adha hinges on the sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah crescent moon.
- In Saudi Arabia, the moon was observed on May 27, setting Eid al-Adha 2025 on June 6 there. In India local observations confirmed Eid on June 7.
- In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to convene on May 27. If the moon is sighted that night, Dhu al-Hijjah will commence on May 28, placing Eid on June 7.
Security and Administrative Measures
Both administrations have put security protocols in place for the Eid period:
- Police and security forces will be deployed on roads and highways to ensure the smooth transport of sacrificial animals and to manage pedestrian traffic around markets.
- Local authorities plan to designate specific zones for butcher stalls, minimizing road congestion and maintaining public order.
- The health department has instructed hospitals and clinics to keep emergency wards operational and to station additional staff in case of any medical incidents.
For Eid al-Adha 2025, Azad Jammu & Kashmir will observe public holidays on June 7, 8, and 9, while Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir will remain closed on June 7 and 8. Given Kashmir’s divided status, the disparity in holiday length has stirred public debate, though most residents on both sides look forward to celebrating the festival with family and community.
