Government declares Wednesday a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr

Muslim faithful take a selfie after Eid prayers on April 21, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has gazetted Wednesday, April 10, as a public holiday to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.

Idd-ul-Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world and marks the end of the holy month of fasting, Ramadan.

"It is notified for the general information of the public that, in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) 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 Idd-ul-Fitr."

The religious occasion, which means "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is a key date in the Islamic calendar as it marks the end of Ramadhan and its month-long fast.

The festival, which is also a time for forgiveness and making amends, is marked by Muslims who enjoy a large meal following the fast period.

During Idd-ul-Fitr, most Muslims visit mosques and participate in prayers before sitting down with family and friends to enjoy a meal.