Muharram 2026 Date: June 25 Or June 26? Check Ashura Date, Muharram Public Holiday & Significance

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and will be the beginning of the year 1448 AH. The month began on June 17 in India after the local crescent moon sighting, which is usually one day after Gulf countries, where it started on June 16.

The most important day is Ashura, the 10th of Muharram. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Ashura will fall on Thursday, June 25. In India, due to the one-day moon sighting difference, Ashura will be observed on Friday, June 26.

Will June 26 be a Public Holiday?

Yes, the Government of India has listed June 26 as a gazetted public holiday for Muharram. On this day, central government offices, banks, post offices, and stock exchanges (BSE and NSE) will be closed.

Since the holiday is on Friday, people can enjoy a three-day-long weekend: Friday, June 26, Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, giving a break for employees and students across much of the country.

However, it should be noted that Muharram holiday observance is different by state. Some states such as Goa, Gujarat, and Haryana do not include Muharram on their official holiday lists.

Muharram Significance

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates the day God saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Israelites from Pharaoh. The Prophet Muhammad fasted on this day and encouraged his followers to do the same.

For Shia Muslims, Ashura is the day on which Imam Hussain, the Prophet's grandson, was martyred at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, where he was killed alongside his family and companions while standing against injustice.

Sunni Muslims fast on Ashura on the 9th and 10th days and offer prayers & charity. While Shia Muslims observe the first ten days as a period of mourning. They participate in processions and wear black as a sign of grief.