Najaf declares Wednesday a public holiday for Muharram observances

NAJAF, Iraq — The Najaf Governorate announced that Wednesday, June 24, 2026, will be an official holiday for all public institutions across the province, in order to allow residents to hold commemorations marking the first ten days of Muharram. The decision applies to government offices, schools and other public bodies, according to a statement from the governorate. The governorate said end-of-term exams are exempt from the holiday and will be held as scheduled. Najaf holds annual observances during the first ten days of Muharram, a period of mourning central to Shia Islam that marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Officials said security and logistical arrangements across the city will remain in place to ensure residents can take part in the commemorations safely. No further details on the specific measures were provided.