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Wednesday declared public holiday to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr

Muslims perform the first Friday prayer on the holy month of Ramadan at Jamia Mosque in Nairobi on March 15, 2024. (Photo: Gerald Anderson/ Anadolu via AFP)

By Mary Wambui | Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, which commenced on March 11, 2024.

The government has declared Wednesday a public holiday to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Section 20 of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Wednesday, April 10, 2024, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Fitr,” the gazette notice reads.

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The official Gazette notice declares Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as a public holiday in observance of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, which commenced on March 11, 2024. This joyous occasion is a time for Muslims worldwide to reflect on their spiritual growth and express gratitude for the blessings they have received.

Also known as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid-ul-Fitr begins with the sighting of the new moon, followed by a special congregational prayer called Salat al-Eid.

After the prayer, Muslims exchange warm greetings of "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) and engage in gift-giving, feasting, and merriment with family and friends.

An integral aspect of Eid-ul-Fitr is the act of charitable giving, known as Zakat al-Fitr, where Muslims are obligated to donate a specified amount of money or food to those in need before the Eid prayer, ensuring that everyone can partake in the celebrations with dignity.