Eid Al Fitr most likely on March 31; one-week holiday anticipated

Astronomers in Oman have predicted that the first day of Eid Al Fitr is likely to fall on Monday, March 31. This means that holidays in Oman are anticipated to begin on Sunday, March 30 and run till Thursday, April 3, giving citizens and residents a five-day break.

While a five-day break sounds good, there is hope for an even longer holiday as Friday (April 4) and Saturday (April 5) will be weekend making it a nine-day break running from pre-Eid weekly off days.

Abdulwahab al Busaidy, head of the observatory at Oman Astronomical Society, said that the first day of Eid Al Fitr, in all likelihood, would fall on Monday (March 31), because the 29th of Ramadhan, which is equivalent to March 29, the sun will set at 6:21 pm and the moon will set at 6:26 pm and that it will be nearly impossible to see the moon on that day.

"The moon will be on the horizon for only five minutes, depending on your location. It will be above the horizon only two degrees, with an illumination of 0.04 per cent. So, in countries like Oman, where we rely on moon sighting, it will be nearly impossible to see the moon on March 29," Al Busaidy said.

"Therefore, we will complete 30 days of Ramadhan and the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be on Monday, March 31," he added.

For countries that rely solely on the birth of a new moon, Al Busaidy said they may fast only 29 days and their first day of Eid Al Fitr will be on March 30.

With the long holiday expected, excitement has begun. “I have finished all my Eid shopping and I am now considering ways of enjoying the anticipated long break. I wish the authorities announce the holidays early so that we can plan ahead. I am planning to use the holiday to visit all parts of Oman as the weather is still cool,” said Salaah Abdullah, an accounts auditor based in Muscat.

Suhar resident Mohammed al Balushi said he is currently considering flight options to Kenya for safari for a 5-day break. "And if we get a 9-day break, I will use it to explore the whole of East Africa because I have always wanted to go to Africa to enjoy greenery," he said.

According to Observer online poll, nearly 57 per cent of readers said that they would decide on travel plans only after official holidays are announced. It may be noted that foreign travel needs months of advanced planning, which includes the process of visa application, getting affordable flight and hotel rates and of course leave approvals.