Eid al-Fitr is a special day among families and friends throughout the Islamic world. This two-to-three-day festival takes place immediately following the end of the month of Ramadan and is the most significant and joyous observance of the Islamic faith.
In essence, Eid al-Fitr presents the faithful with the opportunity to thank God for having granted them the strength and conviction to complete the obligatory fast and obey His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan. By doing so, Muslims rejoice in returning to a state of fitra (innocence/purity), having been pardoned of all their transgressions, thus starting life anew.
As we prepare to welcome the holiest of months, Wego has compiled the dates, public holidays and observances for welcoming and celebrating Eid al-Fitr 2024 in Oman.
Eid Mubarak!
Eid al-Fitr in Oman dates and calendar 2024
Determining the date of Eid al-Fitr depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (a day after the new moon). As such, the process can only be performed at night. Should the crescent moon not be spotted, Ramadan continues for another day.
Eid al-Fitr in 2024 is expected to fall on Tuesday, 9 April or Wednesday, 10 April, subject to the sighting of the moon. In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr is observed on the 1st and 2nd day of Shawwal. Please note that dates may vary and are subject to change based on the moon’s sighting.
Eid al-Fitr 2024 in Oman public holiday
Eid al-Fitr 2024 is a public holiday in Oman. So, most schools and businesses are closed during public holidays.
The Oman Government has announced that the Eid Al Fitr holiday for both public and private sector employees will start on Tuesday, 9 April 2024, and will extend until Saturday, 13 April 2024.
Eid al-Fitr in Oman
The diversity of Oman can perhaps be best observed in how Omanis celebrate Eid al-Fitr throughout the sultanate. From prayers to festive dishes and traditional dances, the cultural diversity is a testament to Oman’s rich traditions of welcoming the joy of Eid al-Fitr.
For example, in the Dhofar Governorate, a vast majority of Omanis opt to prepare a dish called Al Majeen. It is essentially a hearty meal consisting of cuts of meat that have been dried in the sun for a day or more just before the arrival of Eid. The cuts of dried meat are then cooked in curries and are served alongside pastries and desserts.
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This particularly festive food is usually consumed and served as guests start to arrive, usually not long after the Eid prayer has been performed. Families and relatives gather at the home of a revered family elder and offer Eid greetings and congratulatory celebrations for each other.
People in Musandam Governorate, however, do not generally go out of their way to prepare any special dishes. The traditions observed in Musandam are similar to those practiced in Muscat; people mostly return to their hometowns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their relatives. Their tradition is defined by family gatherings followed by trips to rural areas on the second day.
