The Iraqi and Kurdistan Region flags fly side by side
Kurdistan Region to observe Eid al-Ghadir holiday Thursday for first time
ERBIL — Government offices across the Kurdistan Region will suspend official working hours on Thursday for Eid al-Ghadir, observing the occasion as a public holiday for the first time in line with Iraq’s nationwide holiday calendar, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Media and Information Department announced Wednesday.
The decision applies to all government institutions and offices and follows the implementation of Iraq’s new public holidays law, approved by parliament in May 2024, which designated Eid al-Ghadir as a fixed national holiday on the 18th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Eid al-Ghadir is observed primarily by Shiite Muslims and commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s designation of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor. It is marked by religious gatherings and commemorative events across much of Iraq.
The holiday follows the Eid al-Adha break announced by Iraq’s Council of Ministers, during which official work was suspended from May 26 through May 30. The cabinet had also approved Thursday, June 4, as a public holiday for Eid al-Ghadir across Iraq.