Eid Al Adha holiday announced for public sector

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Sunday issued a circular announcing that employees at public institutions will be off from Saturday, August 10, to Wednesday, August 14, as the nation marks Eid Al Adha, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The holiday, which falls on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Hijri calendar, Dhul Hijja, is the feast marking the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which Muslims of sufficient means are required to perform at least once in their lifetime.

Eid Al Adha means feast of sacrifice because during the holiday Muslims slaughter livestock, cattle or camels and distribute the meat to the needy.

Arafa Day, which falls on Saturday this year, immediately precedes the first day of eid, when millions of pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat from morning until sunset. Many Muslims also voluntarily fast to mark the occasion.