Muharram holiday: These are the dates announced by state governments

Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It marks the first day of the Islamic new year according to the Hirji calendar. The Hirji calendar is based on the lunar cycle due to which it is different from the Gregorian calendar followed by the West.

The word Muharram means 'not permitted' or 'forbidden' hence, Muslims are prohibited from taking part in activities like warfare and use it as a period of prayer and reflection.

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Muharram is observed across India with processions (tazia) being taken out. But this year, there are restrictions on public gatherings due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), so states have not granted permission to take out Muharram processions.

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Here is a look at dates announced by various state governments to mark Muharram:

• The Delhi government has shifted the Muharram holiday from August 19 to 30. This has been done because of the change by the central government, the Delhi government said.
• In Uttar Pradesh, Muharram will be marked on Friday.
• Maharashtra, which was the worst affected state by Covid-19, will also observe Muharram on August 20 (Friday).
• The Assam government, in a release on Wednesday, said that the government has declared half day on August 20 on account of Muharram in the state.
• Puducherry, meanwhile, is observing Muharram on Thursday in the Mahe region. Karaikal and Puducherry and Yanam will observe it on Friday, according to Puducherry government order.
• The Chhattisgarh government has declared Muharram holiday on Friday.
• Like Delhi, Andhra Pradesh government has also changed Muharram holiday from August 19 to August 20 (Friday).
• Madhya Pradesh is also observing Muharram on same date - August 20.
• Himachal Pradesh, Telangana and Jharkhand will also observe Muharram on August 20.