Iraq declares Tuesday public holiday for Islamic New Year

BAGHDAD — Iraq has declared Tuesday, June 16, a public holiday across all ministries and government institutions to mark the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the new Hijri year.

The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers announced the decision in a statement on Monday, saying the holiday applies to all government entities nationwide.

According to the statement, the measure coincides with the first day of Muharram, which marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year.

The Hijri calendar, used throughout the Islamic world for religious observances, begins with Muharram, one of Islam’s four sacred months.