The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has set the stage for Eidul Adha 2024, with expectations pointing to the celebration on Monday, June 17. The PMD’s Climate Data Processing Centre has been precise in its lunar forecasts, predicting the birth of the Dhul-Hijjah crescent moon on June 6 at 5:38 PM.
In Karachi, the moon is projected to be 26 hours and 8 minutes old at sunset, offering a 72-minute window for sighting post-sunset. However, the final word on the moon sighting and the official commencement of Eidul Adha will rest with the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
The 2024 holiday schedule for Pakistan has marked June 17 to 19 as the official Eidul Adha holidays. Given the typical weekend closures of government offices, the holidays are likely to begin on Saturday, June 15. Should the moon sighting confirm Eidul Adha for June 18, the federal government will adjust the holiday dates accordingly, with a formal notification to be released before the festival.
Eidul Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is a time of reverence and celebration for Muslims in Pakistan and around the world. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The festival is marked by the sacrifice of an animal, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the needy, embodying the spirit of giving and sharing.
As the nation anticipates this sacred occasion, preparations are underway to ensure that the festivities reflect the cultural richness and religious significance of Eidul Adha. The holiday not only offers a pause for spiritual reflection but also fosters community bonds and charitable acts, resonating with the core values of the Islamic faith.