Administrator
13 February 2025
The Jharkhand government has notified a holiday on February 14 for the Shab-e-Barat, an annual religious event of the minority community of Muslims.
Jharkhand is not alone. Even the West Bengal government has declared holidays on February 13, Thursday, and February 14, Friday.
Meanwhile, in Telangana, a three-day holiday has been announced. An additional day off has been declared in Telangana to mark the birth anniversary of Sant Sewalal Maharaj.
It must be noted that the schools will officially resume on Monday, February 17.
Before this, both West Bengal and Telangana states had declared holidays on the occasion of Vasant Panchami.
In Jharkhand, five-day work is official at the secretariat. This means since Saturday is an off day and Friday is declared a holiday for the Shab-e-Barat, the top officers and staff will resume work on Monday.
Notably, Shab-e-Barat is considered one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar, Shab-e-Barat falls on the 15th night of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar year.
Revered as the 'Night of Forgiveness,' devotees spend time in prayer on the day seeking mercy, blessings, and forgiveness from the Almighty. This year, Shab-e-Barat will begin from the evening of February 13 until the evening of February 14.
Observance
It is a special night of prayers (Nawafil). Muslims recite the Quran and seek forgiveness. They also offer prayers to their deceased loved ones by visiting the graveyards.
