List of Public Holidays in Bahrain 2024

Here are the details of Bahrain Public Holiday 2024: 

New Year (January 1, 2024)

The New Year falls on January 1, which is the first day of the year. It falls exactly after Christmas and brings extreme joy, and new resolutions and is considered as a fresh start. It is considered a public holiday in most countries around the world. Most of the businesses and corporations are closed on this day. It starts with fireworks at exactly 00:00 in local time zones. People make several resolutions as per their goals to achieve such as weight loss, exercising more, giving up bad habits etc. The tradition of setting New Year resolutions started nearly 4000 years ago.

Eid-al-Fitr (April 8-10, 2024)

Al Israa Wal Miraj, also known as Israa and Miraj, is celebrated on the 27th day of the Islamic month of Rajab. This significant event in the Islamic calendar commemorates the night when Allah (God) took Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended him to the heavens. The details of this miraculous journey are derived from the Quran and other teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

On this day, many businesses and corporations observe a day off in recognition of the religious significance of Al Israa Wal Miraj. The festival is often marked by illuminating homes with colorful and bright lights that are kept on throughout the night, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Arafat Day (June 16, 2024)

Arafat Day is observed on June 16, 2024. It is celebrated by Muslims all over the world and is considered one of the most important festivals from 1300 years ago. This day marks the farewell of Prophet Muhammed after conquering the city of Makkah. Arafat Day is observed on the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage. The day of Arafat can vary in different countries as it is based on the slighting of the moon. People ask for mercy from the Almighty for their sins. This day holds utmost importance in the history of the Islamic calendar to seek blessings and gratitude. 

Eid-al-Adah (June 16-19, 2024)

Eid-al-Adah also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice” is one of the most important celebrations for Muslims. The reason for its utmost importance is that it lasts for four days. The reference to “Feast of Sacrifice” derives from the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything. During Eid-al-Adah people also make the sacrifice of an animal to make the Almighty happy. They also undertake charity of food and clothes for the needy people.

Islamic New Year (July 7, 2024)

Islamic New Year also known as Hirji New Year is celebrated by Muslims. This day is a public holiday in most of the countries around the world. It also represents the start of the Muslim era as it coincides with the Hijrah, the journey of the Prophet from Mecca to Medina. The new Islamic Year begins with a time of reflection and attention to prayers and avoiding any kind of sinful practices. The customs vary from country to country, generally involving attending rituals, prayers and parades.

Ashoora (July 15-16, 2024)

Only Bahrain is one of the Gulf countries that marks Ashoora as a public holiday. The 10th day of Muharram is observed as Ashoora in Bahrain. A feast is observed on the day of Ashoora in Bahrain. On this day Prophet Musa freed the Israelites from Egyptians. The word Ashura means “tenth” in Arabic but Islamic scholars differ on the reason for the naming. A dish is served on this day called Asure composed of cereals and dry fruits. 

Prophet’s Birthday (September 15, 2024)

The Prophet’s birthday is also known as “Milad un Nabi”, this day is observed as a public holiday in most countries. It commemorates the birth anniversary of the founder of Islam and proclaimer of the Quran. As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycles, the date of this festival may vary in different countries. This festival is celebrated with religious lectures and teachings of the Quran. The teachings of the Quran helped to establish one of the most famous religions in the world by the name of Islam.