Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama Seeks Extended Eid Holidays in Kerala
Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama has appealed to the Kerala government to extend the holiday period for two of the most significant Islamic festivals, Eid al-Fitr (Cheriya Perunnal) and Eid al-Adha (Valiya Perunnal/Bakrid). The organization believes that the current one-day holiday is not enough for families to properly observe religious traditions and spend meaningful time together.
During its annual conference, the body passed a resolution requesting that both festivals be granted a three-day holiday. According to the organization, a longer break would give people sufficient time to participate in prayers, cultural customs, and family gatherings that are central to the celebrations
Samastha pointed out that several Gulf nations already provide multiple holidays for major religious festivals, allowing communities to celebrate without the pressure of returning to work immediately. Adopting a similar approach in Kerala, it said, would help preserve religious values while also strengthening bonds within families and neighborhoods.
The group emphasized that the proposal is intended to support the proper observance of important Islamic occasions and promote social harmony. With extended holidays, families who live apart would have more time to travel and reunite, making the festivals more fulfilling.
This latest request follows Samastha’s earlier proposal advocating for the division of Malappuram district to form a separate administrative district. Both demands reflect the organization’s ongoing efforts to address community-related concerns in the state.
This latest request follows Samastha’s earlier proposal advocating for the division of Malappuram district to form a separate administrative district. Both demands reflect the organization’s ongoing efforts to address community-related concerns in the state.
The Kerala government has not yet responded to the appeal, but the discussion has already drawn public attention to the role of holidays in enabling cultural and religious participation.
