The tentative date for Eid ul-Adha in Pakistan is projected to be Wednesday, May 27, though the final confirmation rests with the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. The moon for Zil Hajj 1447 is expected to be sighted around May 17 or 18, marking the start of the sacred month.
Under the current calendar, both government and private sector employees may benefit from a five-day holiday period. If the holidays span from Wednesday through Sunday, it will provide citizens with extended time to observe the “Big Eid” festivities.
Meanwhile, preparations for the festival are underway as cattle markets, known locally as Maweshi Mandis, have started to emerge at key locations such as Karachi’s Northern Bypass and Lahore’s Shahpur Kanjra, among others nationwide. Sacrificial animals have begun arriving from various traders and owners in anticipation of the celebrations.
However, experts warn that prices for cows, goats, and camels are expected to rise sharply compared to last year. This increase is largely attributed to the escalating costs of animal feed and the broader economic repercussions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is impacting regional markets and supply chains.
Eid ul-Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed on the 10th of Zil Hajj to commemorate the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In a significant development, the Central Ruet Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet on May 15 or 16 to officially sight the moon for Zil Hajj, which will finalize the date for the festival.
