'Islamic Republic of Bihar': Nitish Kumar govt announces no holidays for Rakshabandhan, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Shivratri; gives 6 days for Eid

Patna, Nov 28: In a shocking development, the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar has erupted a controversy regarding holidays in government schools. It has reportedly reduced the number of Hindu festivals and increased the number of Muslim festivals in government schools for the academic year 2024.

 

According to circular issued by the Bihar Education Department stated that while making the 2024 holiday calendar, the required criteria of 220 days of teaching as per the Right To Education Act (RTE) is fulfilled.

 

 

It stated that the number of days for summer vacations has been increased from 20 to 30. Holidays for Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha (Bakrid) have also been increased to three days each. However famous Hindu festivals including Hartalika Teej, Jitiya, Makar Sankranti, Rakshabandhan, Saraswati Puja, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Bhaidooj, and Shivratri which have been cancelled.

 

The Bihar govt has decided to give holidays on only four Hindu festivals which include Diwali (1), Durga Puja (3), Chhath Puja (3), and Holi (2). The total holidays on Hindu festivals account for 9 days.

 

 

Whereas six Muslim festivals have been included in the holiday calendar including Shab-E-Barat (1), Eid-ul-Fitr (3), Eid-ul-Zoha (3), Muharram (2), Chehallum (1) and Prophet Mohammad’s birthday (1). Islamic festivals account for 11 days.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh took to X, formerly Twitter, taking a jibe at the Nitish Kumar government. “Islamic Republic of Bihar. Nitish and Lalu government extended holidays for Muslim festivals in schools, ended holidays for Hindu festivals,” he wrote.

"The way Lalu Yadav and Nitish government are attacking Hindus, in future they will be known as Mohammad Nitish and Mohammad Lalu," he shared it another video.

 

"Hindu holidays have been slashed while Muslim festival holidays have been increased. This clearly shows that Nitish Kumar-led Bihar Govt is working in the state on the basis of Islamic religious beliefs...CM Nitish Kumar will have to suffer in the upcoming elections if these holidays are not reinstated..." he said.

 

 

In yet another attack on Nitish Kumar govt, Union Minister Ashwini Choubey said, "Warlord of appeasement - Kursi Kumar of Bihar. Once again the anti-Hindu face of the uncle-nephew government came to the fore. On one hand, holidays for Muslim festivals are being extended in schools, while holidays for Hindu festivals are being abolished. Shame on the government that hates Sanatan for vote bank."

 

Responding to the accusations, RJD leader Shakti Yadav said, "Govt of India has issued a guideline that attendance in schools should be above 200 days. So, efforts are being made by the Govt of India to reduce the holidays...How can the BJP then question this."

 

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said, "The holidays of Shab-e-Barat have been reduced and there is no discussion over it...Maha Shivratri, Krishna Janmashtami, Basant Panchami, Holi and Dussehra holidays have been retained."

 

"The education department can only give an explanation as to why certain holidays were increased...Instead of looking at it through a political lens, BJP should give an opinion after the clarification from the education department," he added.