Muharram begins June 16 in Arab states, India awaits sighting
India
Muharram marks the start of the Islamic New Year (1448 AH), and its dates shift each year because it follows the lunar calendar.
This year, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar and other Arab countries will kick things off on Tuesday, June 16.
In India and other South Asian countries, though, the exact date depends on when the new moon is sighted locally.
India observes Muharram June 26
India will observe Muharram and Youm-e-Ashura on Friday, June 26, so expect a public holiday for central government offices, banks, and post offices.
But heads up: not every state joins in; Assam, Goa, and Kerala don't count it as an official holiday.
Meanwhile, Youm-e-Ashura lands a day earlier (Thursday, June 25) in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar and other Arab countries.