Muscat: Excitement about Eid al Fitr -- the first day of which is most likely to fall on Saturday (April 22) in the Sultanate of Oman as per astronomical data -- is building up with many anticipating a nine-day break.
Abdulwahab al Busaidy, head of the observatory at Oman Astronomical Society, told the Observer that the first day of Eid al Fitr, in all likelihood, would fall on Saturday (April 22), because to be able to see the moon, it should be at least 12 hours old.
"The new moon will be born on Thursday, April 20 at 8.12 am and the sun will be setting at 6.30 pm. So it will be around nine hours or so when the sun sets. This means the moon will stay on the horizon for 21 minutes. The moon will set at 6.51 pm. Inclination will be four degrees and elimination is 0.23 per cent," Al Busaidy said.
"So this means it will not be possible to see the moon within those 21 minutes. It is almost impossible because to be able to see the moon, it should be at least 12 hours old," he added.
So, based on the calculations and astronomical figures available, Al Busaidy said, it will not be possible to see the moon on Thursday evening, meaning Friday will be the last day of Ramadhan. “Hence Saturday, April 22 will be the first day of Eid al Fitr. However, this is not the case with many other countries including our GCC neighbours who may break their fast on Friday, April 21,” he said.
Eid is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Islamic calendar with elaborate preparations taking place in the weeks before the day, involving shopping, planning outings and travelling for some.
Mohammed al Farsi, a private sector employee, said, “We would be happy if we get a nine-day break. I just wish the authorities concerned announce earlier so that I can now plan my break properly because I am thinking of travelling to Dubai with my family.”
Oman now gives the same number of holidays to both government and private sectors and employees say the move is good, especially for long breaks like Eid holidays.
"I am happy now that whenever we get holidays, most of my family members who are working in the private sector also get the same number of days. This helps us plan get-togethers during holidays like Eid,” Bader al Harthy, a government employee, said.
A long Eid break is also seen to benefit the local tourism industry, especially Salalah and Musandam, as many will want to spend such a long break there. Many cannot afford international travel.
"Families across the Sultanate of Oman are looking forward to celebrating Eid and many of them would use the long holidays to go to Salalah or Musandam. So, long breaks help boost local tourism," said a travel consultant.
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