A separate list of holidays for Muslims and non-Muslims : Education Department clarifies

• A case of Bihar Government banning Hindu festivals holidays in schools

• This is the first time such a separate list of Holidays has been issued in the State

Patliputra/Patna (Bihar) – Bihar’s Education Department had circulated a list of annual holidays in schools in the State. It was found that some holidays of Hindu festivals were abolished and Islamic holidays were extended. The Education Department has issued an explanation after the Government was criticised for this. The department said two lists were circulated in connection with school holidays. One for the Muslims and the other for non-Muslims. The list for Muslims was reported in the media. This list shortens the festival holidays of non-Muslims whereas the list for non-Muslims isn’t. There are very few Muslim holidays. In short, the Education Department said that a separate list of holidays has been prepared for Urdu and Government schools.

Interestingly, this is the first time that the Education Department has circulated two such lists of holidays. Previously, only one list was announced. According to this list, non-Muslims holidays include Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Republic Day, Vasant Panchami, Sant Ravidas Jayanti, Shab-e-Barat, Mahashivratri, Bihar Day, Holi, Good Friday, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ambedkar Jayanti, 1 month Diwali holiday, Janaki Navami, Buddhist Purnima, Eid-ul-Joha, Kabir Jayanti, Muharram, 15th August, Shrikrushna Janmashtami, Navratras, Deepawali, Chhath Puja etc. Mahashivratri, Shrikrushna Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Haritalika and Janaki Navami holidays have not been included in the holiday list for Muslim schools.

Editorial Perspectives

• It is clear that the Bihar Government is now trying to justify after criticism of anti-Hindu actions. However, no matter how much the Government explains, it is well-known that the Government of the United Janata Dal and the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the State is anti-Hindu and pro-Muslim. Such a Government needs to be taught a lesson by the people of the State through votes.

• Why should we have different holidays depending on religion in a secular country ? To avoid such incidents, it is necessary to have a Uniform Civil Code in the country as soon as possible !