A continuous seven-day public holiday for Holy Eid-ul-Fitr begins today, Tuesday (March 17). Depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival for Muslims, will be celebrated in the country on March 20 or 21.

To ensure a smooth journey for people heading home for the festival, the government has declared March 18 a public holiday as well. Consequently, government employees are receiving a total of seven days off, spanning from March 17 to March 23.

Under standard regulations, today is a public holiday for Shab-e-Qadr. While a five-day Eid holiday was already scheduled from March 19 to March 23, Wednesday (March 18) remained a working day in between.

Following a cabinet meeting proposal, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on March 8 declaring March 18 a holiday by executive order.

According to this year's official holiday calendar, March 21 (Eid day) is a general holiday, while March 19, 20, 22, and 23 were already designated as holidays via executive order.

By adding March 18 to the schedule, the government has facilitated an uninterrupted week-long break.

Government offices, courts, banks, insurance companies, and both private and autonomous institutions will officially reopen on March 24.