worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
The qppstudio worldwide public holidays database and the
worldwide public holidays listings on the qppstudio.net website are constantly updated
to reflect changes to public holidays legislation, or ad hoc public holidays changes, anywhere in the world.
The worldwide public holidays news and updates, below, can be accessed via our Android
or iPhone apps which are 100% ad-free and whose data feed is updated nightly.
Jordan Considering February 23 Weather Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian media are speculating that, with a snowy weather system forecast to arrive in Jordan be the end of the week, Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan might declare Sunday, February 23, 2025, as a one-off weather public holiday in Jordan. According to Jordan's Director of the Meteorological Department, Raed Rafed Al-Khattab, the Al-Jalmoud cold front will reach Jordan and the eastern Mediterranean by the weekend and early next week. Jordanian one-off weather public holidays have been declared often in the past, namely in 2022, 2021, 2019, 4 times in 2015, 4 times in 2013, and twice in 2008.
Jordan Considering February 23 Weather Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian media are speculating that, with a snowy weather system forecast to arrive in Jordan be the end of the week, Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan might declare Sunday, February 23, 2025, as a one-off weather public holiday in Jordan. According to Jordan's Director of the Meteorological Department, Raed Rafed Al-Khattab, the Al-Jalmoud cold front will reach Jordan and the eastern Mediterranean by the weekend and early next week. Jordanian one-off weather public holidays have been declared often in the past, namely in 2022, 2021, 2019, 4 times in 2015, 4 times in 2013, and twice in 2008.
Karnataka Declares February 20 Public Sector Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Government of India's state of Karnataka has declared Thursday, February 20, 2025, as a public sector holiday on account of the grand convention organized by the Karnataka State Government Employees' Association on that date. As per the aforementioned announcement, government offices across Karnataka will remain closed for the day and citizens are advised to plan their official work accordingly, as normal operations in government offices will resume on February 21. The declaration of a one-off public sector holiday on Thursday, February 20, 2025, thus amends the terms of last November's Government vide notification No.DPAR 16 HHL 2024 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Karnataka for the calendar year 2025.
Karnataka Declares February 20 Public Sector Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Government of India's state of Karnataka has declared Thursday, February 20, 2025, as a public sector holiday on account of the grand convention organized by the Karnataka State Government Employees' Association on that date. As per the aforementioned announcement, government offices across Karnataka will remain closed for the day and citizens are advised to plan their official work accordingly, as normal operations in government offices will resume on February 21. The declaration of a one-off public sector holiday on Thursday, February 20, 2025, thus amends the terms of last November's Government vide notification No.DPAR 16 HHL 2024 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Karnataka for the calendar year 2025.
Malaysian MP Calls For The Extension Of The Aidiladha Public Holiday Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) The Malaysian MP for Jempol, Shamshulkahar Deli, has called on the Government to extend the national public holiday for Hari Raya Aidiladha (the Feast of Sacrifice) to 2 days, as is the case in the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. Recall that, yesterday, the Melaka Cabinet has given the Melaka State Government its approval to replace the annual first day of Ramadan (Awal Ramadan) public holiday with the third day of the month of Shawwal, thus making the State of Melaka the only one to observe Hari Raya Aidilfitri (the End of Ramadan) over 3 days.
Malaysian MP Calls For The Extension Of The Aidiladha Public Holiday Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) The Malaysian MP for Jempol, Shamshulkahar Deli, has called on the Government to extend the national public holiday for Hari Raya Aidiladha (the Feast of Sacrifice) to 2 days, as is the case in the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. Recall that, yesterday, the Melaka Cabinet has given the Melaka State Government its approval to replace the annual first day of Ramadan (Awal Ramadan) public holiday with the third day of the month of Shawwal, thus making the State of Melaka the only one to observe Hari Raya Aidilfitri (the End of Ramadan) over 3 days.
Meghalaya Declares February 21 Public Holiday Government of Meghalaya (Shillong) The Government of India's state of Meghalaya has issued the vide notification No. GAA. 75/99/344 declaring Friday, February 21, 2025, as a one-off public holiday in several districts for the elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). As per the aforementioned notification, issued by the Governor of Meghalaya, "the 21st February, 2025, will be observed as a general holiday in the whole of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, and West Jaintia Hills". Today's declaration of Friday, February 21, 2025, as a local public holiday thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in India's state of Meghalaya, as released last October in the Government Order No GAA.67/2024/47.
Meghalaya Declares February 21 Public Holiday Government of Meghalaya (Shillong) The Government of India's state of Meghalaya has issued the vide notification No. GAA. 75/99/344 declaring Friday, February 21, 2025, as a one-off public holiday in several districts for the elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). As per the aforementioned notification, issued by the Governor of Meghalaya, "the 21st February, 2025, will be observed as a general holiday in the whole of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, and West Jaintia Hills". Today's declaration of Friday, February 21, 2025, as a local public holiday thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in India's state of Meghalaya, as released last October in the Government Order No GAA.67/2024/47.
Namibia's SPYL Calls For May 12 Annual Public Holiday The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has reiterated its call for May 12, the birthday of the late Founding President Sam Nujoma, to be declared an annual public holiday. Recall that, last week, Namibia's President, Nangolo Mbumba, declared Saturday, March 1st, 2025, as a one-off public holiday ("I declare Saturday 1 March 2025 a public holiday for the purpose of the burial ceremony of the first president of Namibia and founding father of the nation Sam Nujoma").
Namibia's SPYL Calls For May 12 Annual Public Holiday The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) has reiterated its call for May 12, the birthday of the late Founding President Sam Nujoma, to be declared an annual public holiday. Recall that, last week, Namibia's President, Nangolo Mbumba, declared Saturday, March 1st, 2025, as a one-off public holiday ("I declare Saturday 1 March 2025 a public holiday for the purpose of the burial ceremony of the first president of Namibia and founding father of the nation Sam Nujoma").
NSW To Shift 2027 Elections Due To Public Holiday Conflict NSW Government (Sydney) The Government of Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW) has announced that it intends to recommend that the Governor issue a proclamation to dissolve the Legislative Assembly early, to achieve a 13 March 2027 election date, and avoid a clash between the current scheduled date of March 27, 2027, and the long Easter weekend. The Constitution Act 1902 (NSW) permits the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly up to two months prior to the end of its fixed four-year term if the election would otherwise clash with a public holiday. The list of official New South Wales non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2027 was announced last month by the NSW Government.
NSW To Shift 2027 Elections Due To Public Holiday Conflict NSW Government (Sydney) The Government of Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW) has announced that it intends to recommend that the Governor issue a proclamation to dissolve the Legislative Assembly early, to achieve a 13 March 2027 election date, and avoid a clash between the current scheduled date of March 27, 2027, and the long Easter weekend. The Constitution Act 1902 (NSW) permits the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly up to two months prior to the end of its fixed four-year term if the election would otherwise clash with a public holiday. The list of official New South Wales non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2027 was announced last month by the NSW Government.
Basel-Stadt Announces 2028-2029 Public Holidays Kanton Basel-Stadt (Basel) Switzerland's canton of Basel-Stadt has announced its list of 2028 and 2029 public holidays and paid days off work. Recall that, last year, when the canton of Basel-Stadt announced its list of 2027 public holidays, we reported that the Government of the canton was reorganizing its public sector holidays to become a more attractive employer and that, as part of that program, some of the half-day public sector holidays, such as the ones before before Good Friday and Ascension Day, would be replaced by full-day public sector holidays. However, the aforementioned list of 2028 and 2029 public holidays (as well as the re-released 2025-2026-2027 public holidays) show no such changes.
Basel-Stadt Announces 2028-2029 Public Holidays Kanton Basel-Stadt (Basel) Switzerland's canton of Basel-Stadt has announced its list of 2028 and 2029 public holidays and paid days off work. Recall that, last year, when the canton of Basel-Stadt announced its list of 2027 public holidays, we reported that the Government of the canton was reorganizing its public sector holidays to become a more attractive employer and that, as part of that program, some of the half-day public sector holidays, such as the ones before before Good Friday and Ascension Day, would be replaced by full-day public sector holidays. However, the aforementioned list of 2028 and 2029 public holidays (as well as the re-released 2025-2026-2027 public holidays) show no such changes.
Gambia Declares February 18 Public Holiday Office of The President, State House (Banjul) The Office of The President State House has announced that the President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, has declared Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as a public holiday in the Gambia. As per the aforementioned Presidential announcement, "President Adama Barrow, acting on the powers vested on him under Section 76 of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, is pleased to declare Tuesday, 18th February 2025 as a public holiday to commemorate the Nation's 60th Independence Day Anniversary Celebration". Recall that, last year, President Barrow, had additionally declared a day in lieu public holiday on Monday, February 19, 2024, on account of the annual Independence Day Anniversary public holiday ("To mark the 59th Independence Day Anniversary celebration which falls on Sunday 18th February 2024, the public is notified that Monday, 19th February 2024 is a public holiday throughout the country.").
Gambia Declares February 18 Public Holiday Office of The President, State House (Banjul) The Office of The President State House has announced that the President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, has declared Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as a public holiday in the Gambia. As per the aforementioned Presidential announcement, "President Adama Barrow, acting on the powers vested on him under Section 76 of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, is pleased to declare Tuesday, 18th February 2025 as a public holiday to commemorate the Nation's 60th Independence Day Anniversary Celebration". Recall that, last year, President Barrow, had additionally declared a day in lieu public holiday on Monday, February 19, 2024, on account of the annual Independence Day Anniversary public holiday ("To mark the 59th Independence Day Anniversary celebration which falls on Sunday 18th February 2024, the public is notified that Monday, 19th February 2024 is a public holiday throughout the country.").
Melaka Extends Hari Raya Public Holidays Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) The Melaka Cabinet has given the State Government its approval to replace the annual first day of Ramadan (Awal Ramadan) public holiday with the third day of the month of Shawwal, thus making the State of Melaka the only one to observe Hari Raya Aidilfitri (the End of Ramadan) over 3 days. The Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, announced this proposal last December, but had been awaiting Cabinet approval. Today's announcement thus amends last July's Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Negeri 2025, released jointly by Malaysia's Cabinet's and the Constitution and Government Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office, and containing the list of state-specific regional non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2025. From 2025 onward, only 2 Malaysian states, Kedah and Johor, will observe the first day of Ramadan as an annual public holiday.
Melaka Extends Hari Raya Public Holidays Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) The Melaka Cabinet has given the State Government its approval to replace the annual first day of Ramadan (Awal Ramadan) public holiday with the third day of the month of Shawwal, thus making the State of Melaka the only one to observe Hari Raya Aidilfitri (the End of Ramadan) over 3 days. The Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, announced this proposal last December, but had been awaiting Cabinet approval. Today's announcement thus amends last July's Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Negeri 2025, released jointly by Malaysia's Cabinet's and the Constitution and Government Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office, and containing the list of state-specific regional non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2025. From 2025 onward, only 2 Malaysian states, Kedah and Johor, will observe the first day of Ramadan as an annual public holiday.
Nepal Declares January 30 Public Holiday For Sonam Lhosar Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the government of Nepal had declared Wednesday, February 19, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Prajatantra Diwas (Democracy Day). The declaration of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, as a public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, a year ago.
Nepal Declares January 30 Public Holiday For Sonam Lhosar Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the government of Nepal had declared Wednesday, February 19, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Prajatantra Diwas (Democracy Day). The declaration of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, as a public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, a year ago.
Azerbaijan Amends Novruz And End of Ramadan 2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued the decision No. 23 dated February 15, 2025 (решению Кабинета министров №23 от 15 февраля 2025), signed by Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, which amends the schedule of public holidays for the Novruz and End of Ramadan public holidays in Azerbaijan. As per the aforementioned cabinet decision, "in order to ensure the sequence of working and non-working days, the working days of March 27 and 28, 2025 (Thursday and Friday) will be swapped with the non-working days of March 10 (Monday) and April 1 (Tuesday)". Today's decision by the Cabinet of Ministers thus amends last December's decision by the same Cabinet of Ministers that the 2025 Novruz public holidays be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively, while Ramazan Bayram was to be from March 30 to April 1, 2025, inclusively. Recall that, in 2008, the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan had similarly decided that Thursday and Friday, March 27-28, 2008, would be one-off bridge public holidays, although, in that case, it was the weekend days of March 29-30, which were declared regular working days.
Azerbaijan Amends Novruz And End of Ramadan 2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued the decision No. 23 dated February 15, 2025 (решению Кабинета министров №23 от 15 февраля 2025), signed by Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, which amends the schedule of public holidays for the Novruz and End of Ramadan public holidays in Azerbaijan. As per the aforementioned cabinet decision, "in order to ensure the sequence of working and non-working days, the working days of March 27 and 28, 2025 (Thursday and Friday) will be swapped with the non-working days of March 10 (Monday) and April 1 (Tuesday)". Today's decision by the Cabinet of Ministers thus amends last December's decision by the same Cabinet of Ministers that the 2025 Novruz public holidays be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively, while Ramazan Bayram was to be from March 30 to April 1, 2025, inclusively. Recall that, in 2008, the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan had similarly decided that Thursday and Friday, March 27-28, 2008, would be one-off bridge public holidays, although, in that case, it was the weekend days of March 29-30, which were declared regular working days.
Sindh Declares February 19 Public Holiday For Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of Pakistan's Province of Sindh, has declared a provincial public holiday on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to mark the Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. As per the aforementioned notification, "all government and semi-government offices and educational institutions will remain closed". Additionally, the district administration of Jamshoro has also declared a public holiday on Monday, February 17, 2025, in anticipation of the affluence ahead of February 19. Last year, the Caretaker Minister for Law and Auqaf of Pakistan's Province of Sindh, Umer Soomro, had similarly announced that district authorities had declared Thursday, February 29, 2024, a public holiday in the District of Jamshoro in relation with the annual 772nd Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
Sindh Declares February 19 Public Holiday For Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of Pakistan's Province of Sindh, has declared a provincial public holiday on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, to mark the Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. As per the aforementioned notification, "all government and semi-government offices and educational institutions will remain closed". Additionally, the district administration of Jamshoro has also declared a public holiday on Monday, February 17, 2025, in anticipation of the affluence ahead of February 19. Last year, the Caretaker Minister for Law and Auqaf of Pakistan's Province of Sindh, Umer Soomro, had similarly announced that district authorities had declared Thursday, February 29, 2024, a public holiday in the District of Jamshoro in relation with the annual 772nd Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
Luxemburg Decides Against October 3 Public Holiday Conseil de gouvernement du Luxembourg (Luxemburg) Following today's meeting of the council of ministers, Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, announced that no public holiday would be declared on October 3, 2025, on the date of Prince Guillaume's accession as Luxembourg's Grand Duke and head of state. Recall that, late last December, Prime Minister Frieden had announced that a decision would be taken closer to the date, as to whether to declare a one-off public holiday on Friday, October 3, 2025. The choice of a Friday date for the upcoming passation of power had been commented upon, as the previous accession of Grand Duke Henri had been set as Saturday, October 7, 2000, to ensure maximal popular participation.
Luxemburg Decides Against October 3 Public Holiday Conseil de gouvernement du Luxembourg (Luxemburg) Following today's meeting of the council of ministers, Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Luc Frieden, announced that no public holiday would be declared on October 3, 2025, on the date of Prince Guillaume's accession as Luxembourg's Grand Duke and head of state. Recall that, late last December, Prime Minister Frieden had announced that a decision would be taken closer to the date, as to whether to declare a one-off public holiday on Friday, October 3, 2025. The choice of a Friday date for the upcoming passation of power had been commented upon, as the previous accession of Grand Duke Henri had been set as Saturday, October 7, 2000, to ensure maximal popular participation.
Mexico Adds February 14 Vicente Guerrero Holiday Diario Oficial de la Federación (Ciudad de México) Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has signed a decree declaring February 14 to be a new annual holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the death of General Vicente Ramon Guerrero Saldaña. Although most news reports tout the aforementioned decree as declaring a new annual public holiday, only a change to article 74 of the Federal Labor Law (LFT) can institute a new annual public holiday.
Mexico Adds February 14 Vicente Guerrero Holiday Diario Oficial de la Federación (Ciudad de México) Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has signed a decree declaring February 14 to be a new annual holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the death of General Vicente Ramon Guerrero Saldaña. Although most news reports tout the aforementioned decree as declaring a new annual public holiday, only a change to article 74 of the Federal Labor Law (LFT) can institute a new annual public holiday.
Namibia Declares March 1st Public Holiday For Late President Nujoma The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's President, Nangolo Mbumba, has declared Saturday, March 1st, 2025, as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned notice, published in today's government gazette, "I declare Saturday 1 March 2025 a public holiday for the purpose of the burial ceremony of the first president of Namibia and founding father of the nation Sam Nujoma", adding that Friday, February 28, would remain a regular working day. Recall that, a year ago, the date of the the burial of late president Hage Geingob on Sunday, February 25, 2024, was also declared a public holiday throughout Namibia, and as per the Public Holidays Act of 1990 (Act 26 of 1990), the declaration of Sunday, February 25, 2024, as a public holiday meant that Monday, February 26, 2024, was also a public holiday in Namibia. Interestingly, Zambian president, Hakainde Hichilema, had declared two days of national mourning in Zambia to honor the late Namibian president Hage Geingob, as a gesture of gratitude for president Geingob declaring seven days of national mourning in Namibia on account of the death of Zambia's first president, Kenneth David Kaunda, in 2021.
Namibia Declares March 1st Public Holiday For Late President Nujoma The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's President, Nangolo Mbumba, has declared Saturday, March 1st, 2025, as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned notice, published in today's government gazette, "I declare Saturday 1 March 2025 a public holiday for the purpose of the burial ceremony of the first president of Namibia and founding father of the nation Sam Nujoma", adding that Friday, February 28, would remain a regular working day. Recall that, a year ago, the date of the the burial of late president Hage Geingob on Sunday, February 25, 2024, was also declared a public holiday throughout Namibia, and as per the Public Holidays Act of 1990 (Act 26 of 1990), the declaration of Sunday, February 25, 2024, as a public holiday meant that Monday, February 26, 2024, was also a public holiday in Namibia. Interestingly, Zambian president, Hakainde Hichilema, had declared two days of national mourning in Zambia to honor the late Namibian president Hage Geingob, as a gesture of gratitude for president Geingob declaring seven days of national mourning in Namibia on account of the death of Zambia's first president, Kenneth David Kaunda, in 2021.
Sierra Leone Extends 2024 Armed Forces Day Public Holiday State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The government of Sierra Leone has declared Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Armed Forces Day. As per the aforementioned public notice, "The general public is hereby informed that Armed Forces Day will be observed on Tuesday, 18th February 2025. Accordingly, Tuesday, 18th February 2025, will be a public holiday nationwide". Last year, the government of Sierra Leone had additionally declared Monday, February 19, 2024, as an additional public holiday on account of the upcoming Armed Forces Day public holiday falling on a Sunday ("The general public is hereby informed that Armed Forces Day will be observed on Sunday, 18th February 2024. Accordingly, Monday 19th February 2024 will be a public holiday nationwide.").
Sierra Leone Extends 2024 Armed Forces Day Public Holiday State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The government of Sierra Leone has declared Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Armed Forces Day. As per the aforementioned public notice, "The general public is hereby informed that Armed Forces Day will be observed on Tuesday, 18th February 2025. Accordingly, Tuesday, 18th February 2025, will be a public holiday nationwide". Last year, the government of Sierra Leone had additionally declared Monday, February 19, 2024, as an additional public holiday on account of the upcoming Armed Forces Day public holiday falling on a Sunday ("The general public is hereby informed that Armed Forces Day will be observed on Sunday, 18th February 2024. Accordingly, Monday 19th February 2024 will be a public holiday nationwide.").
Bolivia Declares 9 Departmental Bicentennial Public Holidays Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) The Government of Bolivia has finally released, earlier this morning, the Supreme Decree 5328, signed by President Luis Arce, and which declares 9 departmental public holidays in 2025 to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. The departmental public holidays are: February 9 in commemoration of the founding of the city of Cobija (Pando), February 14 for the 200 years of Santa Cruz independence (Santa Cruz), April 1 commemorates the Battle of Tumusla (Potosí), April 22 for the revolt of the Canichana people in San Pedro de Moxos (Beni), September 29 for the founding of the city of La Plata (Chuquisaca), October 6 for the Revolution of October 6, 1810 (Oruro), November 7 for the Battle of Suipacha (Tarija), November 14 for the dismemberment of Tupac Katari (La Paz), and November 14 in commemoration of the Battle of Aroma (Cochabamba). Earlier this week, we had reported that Bolivia's Ministry of Labour was expected to declare Friday, February 14, 2025, as a one-off departmental public holiday with suspension of activities on account of the upcoming bicentennial of Santa Cruz. But until this morning, neither the Ministry of Labor nor the Departmental Legislative Assembly had official information on the aforementioned decree.
Bolivia Declares 9 Departmental Bicentennial Public Holidays Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) The Government of Bolivia has finally released, earlier this morning, the Supreme Decree 5328, signed by President Luis Arce, and which declares 9 departmental public holidays in 2025 to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. The departmental public holidays are: February 9 in commemoration of the founding of the city of Cobija (Pando), February 14 for the 200 years of Santa Cruz independence (Santa Cruz), April 1 commemorates the Battle of Tumusla (Potosí), April 22 for the revolt of the Canichana people in San Pedro de Moxos (Beni), September 29 for the founding of the city of La Plata (Chuquisaca), October 6 for the Revolution of October 6, 1810 (Oruro), November 7 for the Battle of Suipacha (Tarija), November 14 for the dismemberment of Tupac Katari (La Paz), and November 14 in commemoration of the Battle of Aroma (Cochabamba). Earlier this week, we had reported that Bolivia's Ministry of Labour was expected to declare Friday, February 14, 2025, as a one-off departmental public holiday with suspension of activities on account of the upcoming bicentennial of Santa Cruz. But until this morning, neither the Ministry of Labor nor the Departmental Legislative Assembly had official information on the aforementioned decree.
Indonesian Islamic Organization Announces Start Of Ramadan Date Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Islamic organization, has announced that the date of the first day of the upcoming month of Ramadan would be Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on calculations for Ramadan, Shawwal, and Zulhijjah 1446 H conducted by the Tarjih and Tajdid Council of Muhammadiyah's Central Leadership. Recall that, over the years, various Indonesian Muslim groups have declared differing dates for the main Islamic holidays. And, indeed, yesterday, Indonesia's Director General of the Islamic Community Guidance, Abu Rokhmad, was quoted as follows "We hope that Muslims in Indonesia can begin Ramadan together this year".
Indonesian Islamic Organization Announces Start Of Ramadan Date Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Islamic organization, has announced that the date of the first day of the upcoming month of Ramadan would be Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on calculations for Ramadan, Shawwal, and Zulhijjah 1446 H conducted by the Tarjih and Tajdid Council of Muhammadiyah's Central Leadership. Recall that, over the years, various Indonesian Muslim groups have declared differing dates for the main Islamic holidays. And, indeed, yesterday, Indonesia's Director General of the Islamic Community Guidance, Abu Rokhmad, was quoted as follows "We hope that Muslims in Indonesia can begin Ramadan together this year".
Jharkhand Declares February 14 Shab-e-Barat Public Holiday Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Government of India's state of Jharkhand has declared a public sector holiday on Friday, February 14, 2025, on account of Shab-e-Barat, thus amending the list of 2025 public holidays in Jharkhand as set out in the Jharkhand vide notification No. 10/S.A -03-02/2024 of 6776 issued by the Governor of Jharkhand, last October. Note that, the only other Indian state to observe Shab-e-Barat as a public holiday, West Bengal, recently issued the vide notification No. 557-F(P2) moving the West Bengal Shab-e-Barat public holiday from Friday, February 14, 2025, to Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Jharkhand Declares February 14 Shab-e-Barat Public Holiday Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Government of India's state of Jharkhand has declared a public sector holiday on Friday, February 14, 2025, on account of Shab-e-Barat, thus amending the list of 2025 public holidays in Jharkhand as set out in the Jharkhand vide notification No. 10/S.A -03-02/2024 of 6776 issued by the Governor of Jharkhand, last October. Note that, the only other Indian state to observe Shab-e-Barat as a public holiday, West Bengal, recently issued the vide notification No. 557-F(P2) moving the West Bengal Shab-e-Barat public holiday from Friday, February 14, 2025, to Thursday, February 13, 2025.
RBI Cancels End of Ramadan Bank Holiday Reserve Bank of India (New Delhi) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all agency banks to keep their branches dealing with government transactions open for the public on March 31, 2025, despite the day being a public holiday on account of Id-Ul-Fitr (the End of Ramadan). The aforementioned notification, which covers the 29 main Indian banks, states that "The Government of India has made a request to keep all branches of the banks dealing with Government receipts and payments open for transactions on March 31, 2025 (Monday-Public Holiday) so as to account for all the Government transactions relating to receipts and payments in the Financial Year 2024-25 itself", adding that "Agency banks are advised to keep all their branches dealing with government business open on March 31, 2025 (Monday)". The banks mentioned by the RBI are: UCO Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, DCB Bank Ltd., Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Axis Bank Ltd., City Union Bank Ltd., Central Bank of India, Federal Bank Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., IDBI Bank Ltd., IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd., IndusInd Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd., Karnataka Bank Ltd., Karur Vysya Bank Ltd., Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., RBL Bank Ltd., South Indian Bank Ltd., Yes Bank Ltd., Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd., Bandhan Bank Ltd., CSB Bank Ltd., Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd., DBS Bank India Ltd. Recall that April 1st is an annual nationwide bank holiday in India, and a March 31st closure of banks would have meant 4 consecutive days of nationwide bank holidays.
RBI Cancels End of Ramadan Bank Holiday Reserve Bank of India (New Delhi) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all agency banks to keep their branches dealing with government transactions open for the public on March 31, 2025, despite the day being a public holiday on account of Id-Ul-Fitr (the End of Ramadan). The aforementioned notification, which covers the 29 main Indian banks, states that "The Government of India has made a request to keep all branches of the banks dealing with Government receipts and payments open for transactions on March 31, 2025 (Monday-Public Holiday) so as to account for all the Government transactions relating to receipts and payments in the Financial Year 2024-25 itself", adding that "Agency banks are advised to keep all their branches dealing with government business open on March 31, 2025 (Monday)". The banks mentioned by the RBI are: UCO Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, DCB Bank Ltd., Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Axis Bank Ltd., City Union Bank Ltd., Central Bank of India, Federal Bank Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., IDBI Bank Ltd., IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd., IndusInd Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd., Karnataka Bank Ltd., Karur Vysya Bank Ltd., Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., RBL Bank Ltd., South Indian Bank Ltd., Yes Bank Ltd., Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd., Bandhan Bank Ltd., CSB Bank Ltd., Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd., DBS Bank India Ltd. Recall that April 1st is an annual nationwide bank holiday in India, and a March 31st closure of banks would have meant 4 consecutive days of nationwide bank holidays.
Kenyan Public Holidays Amendment Bill Withdrawn The Nation (Nairobi) Kenyan Senator, Karungo wa Thang’wa, has sent a letter to the Senate Speaker, Amason Kingi, withdrawing the public holidays bill he had sponsored. As per the aforementioned letter, "I write to formally notify you of my decision to withdraw The Public Holidays Bill, which I am sponsoring, from further consideration in the Senate. I note that the Bill is scheduled for the Second Reading in today’s Order Paper. However, after careful deliberation, I have decided to prioritize other legislative proposals that I am sponsoring, which I believe are of urgent and immediate national significance". The bill would have automatically declared bridge public holidays ("Where in any year, a public holiday (a) falls on a Tuesday, then the preceding day, shall be a public holiday or (b) falls on a Thursday, the succeeding day shall also be a public holiday"). Currently, the last amendments to Kenya's public holidays were last year, when President William Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2024) which amended sixteen Acts of Parliament, notably the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110) in which the annual October 10 Utamaduni Day public holiday is renamed as the Mazingira Day public holiday ("The Bill amends the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) to substitute Utamaduni Day with Mazingira Day as a public holiday to be observed on 10th October every year. This seeks to complement government efforts towards environmental protection and conservation.").
Kenyan Public Holidays Amendment Bill Withdrawn The Nation (Nairobi) Kenyan Senator, Karungo wa Thang’wa, has sent a letter to the Senate Speaker, Amason Kingi, withdrawing the public holidays bill he had sponsored. As per the aforementioned letter, "I write to formally notify you of my decision to withdraw The Public Holidays Bill, which I am sponsoring, from further consideration in the Senate. I note that the Bill is scheduled for the Second Reading in today’s Order Paper. However, after careful deliberation, I have decided to prioritize other legislative proposals that I am sponsoring, which I believe are of urgent and immediate national significance". The bill would have automatically declared bridge public holidays ("Where in any year, a public holiday (a) falls on a Tuesday, then the preceding day, shall be a public holiday or (b) falls on a Thursday, the succeeding day shall also be a public holiday"). Currently, the last amendments to Kenya's public holidays were last year, when President William Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments Bill 2024) which amended sixteen Acts of Parliament, notably the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110) in which the annual October 10 Utamaduni Day public holiday is renamed as the Mazingira Day public holiday ("The Bill amends the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) to substitute Utamaduni Day with Mazingira Day as a public holiday to be observed on 10th October every year. This seeks to complement government efforts towards environmental protection and conservation.").
Rukum Declares February 13 Maoist War Anniversary Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The executive committees of Sanibheri Rural Municipality and Bafikot Rural Municipality of the Nepalese Province of Rukum, the birthplace of the CPN Maoist party that launched an armed insurgency on February 13, 1996. Initially, the Government of then Nepalese Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, had declared Monday, February 13, 2023, as a one-off public holiday, throughout Nepal, to mark the anniversary of the Maoist War, which began in 1996 and lasted for a decade, until the signing of a peace accord between the Maoist and the then Nepali Congress President, Girija Prasad Koirala, on November 22, 2006. Then, a few days later, Nepalese government spokesperson, Rekha Sharma, announced that the Nepalese cabinet had decided to add Prithvi Jayanti and the Maoist War Anniversary as annual public holidays beginning with the upcoming list of Nepalese public holidays for the Bikram Sambat year 2080 which began in mid-April 2023. But, in late 2023, the Nepalese Supreme Court annulled the declaration of the contentious February 13th public holiday. As per the Supreme Court ruling, "The peace process and transitional justice issues have not reached a conclusion, and a relevant bill is under consideration in the House. The decision to announce a public holiday without discussion in the sovereign parliament is hereby nullified through a certiorari order, as per the preamble of the Constitution".
Rukum Declares February 13 Maoist War Anniversary Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The executive committees of Sanibheri Rural Municipality and Bafikot Rural Municipality of the Nepalese Province of Rukum, the birthplace of the CPN Maoist party that launched an armed insurgency on February 13, 1996. Initially, the Government of then Nepalese Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, had declared Monday, February 13, 2023, as a one-off public holiday, throughout Nepal, to mark the anniversary of the Maoist War, which began in 1996 and lasted for a decade, until the signing of a peace accord between the Maoist and the then Nepali Congress President, Girija Prasad Koirala, on November 22, 2006. Then, a few days later, Nepalese government spokesperson, Rekha Sharma, announced that the Nepalese cabinet had decided to add Prithvi Jayanti and the Maoist War Anniversary as annual public holidays beginning with the upcoming list of Nepalese public holidays for the Bikram Sambat year 2080 which began in mid-April 2023. But, in late 2023, the Nepalese Supreme Court annulled the declaration of the contentious February 13th public holiday. As per the Supreme Court ruling, "The peace process and transitional justice issues have not reached a conclusion, and a relevant bill is under consideration in the House. The decision to announce a public holiday without discussion in the sovereign parliament is hereby nullified through a certiorari order, as per the preamble of the Constitution".
Ukraine Declares Annual February 24 National Day of Prayer Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has approved the Resolution No. 12412 on the establishment of a National Day of Prayer in Ukraine (Проект Постанови про встановлення Національного дня молитви), which will be celebrated annually on February 24, the anniversary of Russiaʼs full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the end of last year, a similar working day holiday was officialized when Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed into law the Decree No.883/2024 (Про День міжнаціональної злагоди і культурного розмаїття), establishing May 21 as the annual Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity.
Ukraine Declares Annual February 24 National Day of Prayer Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has approved the Resolution No. 12412 on the establishment of a National Day of Prayer in Ukraine (Проект Постанови про встановлення Національного дня молитви), which will be celebrated annually on February 24, the anniversary of Russiaʼs full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the end of last year, a similar working day holiday was officialized when Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, signed into law the Decree No.883/2024 (Про День міжнаціональної злагоди і культурного розмаїття), establishing May 21 as the annual Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity.
