New Delhi | July 6, 2025 : The Muharram holiday in India has triggered confusion this year, as different states prepare for Ashura observances on either Sunday, July 6, or Monday, July 7, based on local moon sightings. The Islamic new year began on June 27, and the 10th day, Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, a central figure in Islamic history.

Since July 6 falls on a Sunday, most institutions such as banks, government offices, schools, and stock markets were already scheduled to remain closed. However, uncertainty around the moon sighting has led many states to prepare for an additional public holiday on Monday, July 7, should Ashura be officially declared on that date.

Several state governments, including those in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Telangana, have issued notifications indicating a possible July 7 holiday pending confirmation. On the other hand, Kerala has made it clear that it will observe Muharram only on July 6, with no extra holiday the following day.

Bank operations are being guided by the Reserve Bank of India’s regional holiday calendar, with many branches already closed Sunday. If Ashura is officially marked on Monday, banks in the concerned states will remain closed for a second consecutive day.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) stayed shut on Sunday, as part of the regular weekend schedule. If Ashura is shifted to Monday in official calendars, trading on both major exchanges may also pause, following standard holiday practices.

Parents and students across the country are awaiting clarity from school boards and district authorities. In metro cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, private institutions have kept Monday on standby as a tentative day off.

Religious groups and scholars continue to monitor the moon-sighting reports closely. The final confirmation of the Ashura date depends on regional announcements from local Hilal committees, often made late in the evening.

This year’s split in holiday observance highlights the challenges of coordinating national closures around a lunar-based festival in a diverse, federal structure like India’s. While the government allows flexibility for states to decide, the lack of uniformity creates challenges for sectors such as finance, logistics, and education.

For now, many Indians are treating Sunday, July 6, as the primary day of observance, with processions and prayer events held across major cities. However, all eyes are on Monday’s confirmation, if Ashura is officially shifted to July 7, expect another round of closures, cancellations, and rearranged schedules.

Citizens are advised to stay tuned to local news bulletins and official announcements regarding closures on Monday. Until then, the uncertainty continues to hover like a crescent moon in a cloudy sky.