Two holidays expected in the first week of March

KARACHI: The Sindh government is expected to announce special holidays for Hindu employees on the occasion of Holi this year, continuing a practice observed in previous years to facilitate celebrations of the festival.

Last year, the provincial administration granted two days off to Hindu government employees, enabling them to take part in festivities without work obligations. Officials indicated at the time that the move reflected Sindh’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for religious diversity.

Holi, the festival of colours, is widely celebrated by the Hindu community across Sindh, particularly in cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur. The occasion is marked by traditional rituals, family gatherings and the symbolic throwing of coloured powders.

While an official notification for this year has yet to be issued, sources within the provincial administration suggest that a similar announcement is under consideration. Any final decision would be communicated through a formal circular from the services department.

The expected holidays would apply specifically to Hindu employees working in government departments, allowing them to observe their religious festival in full.

In neighbouring India, authorities in states including Maharashtra last year issued advisories to ensure peaceful celebrations when Holi coincided with Ramadan. In Mumbai, police implemented precautionary measures to maintain public order and promote interfaith harmony.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, attention is also turning to the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. The Ruet-e-Hilal Committee typically announces the final dates based on moon sighting, with the federal government issuing a formal notification closer to the time.

If Sindh follows its previous precedent, Hindu employees in the province can expect an official announcement regarding Holi holidays in the coming days.