End of Ramadan on October 1, 2008 - Holiday

President Arroyo has declared Oct. 1 as a regular non-working holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr or the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The declaration of the annual holiday was contained in Proclamation No. 1625, issued by the President last Friday.

After a month-long period of sacrifice highlighted by day-long fasting, Muslims around the world celebrate the end of the Ramadan with a three-day feast called Eid’l Fitr. Republic Act 9177 paved the way for the observance of Eid’l Fitr as a regular holiday throughout the country.

The actual date of the start of Ramadan varies every year as it is dependent on the first sighting of the new moon.For Eid’l Fitr, the main date for the celebration for this year was determined by the Office of Muslim Affairs, in accordance with the Islamic calendar called the Hijra.