Islamic New Year in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Islamic New Year is a public holiday in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, where the Cocos Malay community has longstanding ties to Islam and Home Island. Its date follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and its formal appointment depends on official notices.[1][2][3]
A local holiday in a lunar calendar
Islamic New Year begins on 1 Muharram, the first day of the Islamic year. The Islamic calendar is based on lunar observation, so the corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year; an official Cocos holiday proclamation has also noted that lunar dates may vary with the sighting of the new moon.[3]
On the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the Cocos Malay community is closely associated with Home Island. Australian Government information describes the community as predominantly Malay and following the Islamic faith, and traces its ancestry to people brought to the Islands from several regions during the 19th century.[2]
How the holiday is appointed
The Islands apply a version of Western Australia’s Public and Bank Holidays Act. The territory’s statutory list includes several Muslim holidays, but does not name Islamic New Year as a standing entry; the Act also provides for special public or bank holidays to be appointed by proclamation. A 2019 official proclamation specifically designated Islamic New Year as a special public and bank holiday and moved its observance to Monday when it fell on Sunday.[1][3]
A 2019 proclamation provides an example, not a permanent rule for every year. Check the current official notice for the year in question to confirm the appointment and observed day.[1][3]
Community and observance
The holiday’s local context is shaped by the Cocos Malay community and its Islamic faith. Check with local organisers for details of Islamic New Year ceremonies, mosque services, foods or public events on the Islands.[2][4]
Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic year at Muharram. The date follows lunar observation.[3]
Travel and opening hours
The ferry between West Island and Home Island does not run on public holidays, according to the local visitor information site. Travelers should check the published timetable and make other arrangements for crossing on the holiday.[4][5]
Residents and visitors should check with the service they need about its opening hours.[1][4]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands?
When does it fall?
It begins on 1 Muharram. Its Gregorian date changes because the Islamic calendar follows lunar observation, and dates announced in advance may be subject to the new moon sighting.[3]
Does the holiday move to Monday if it falls on Sunday?
Can I take the ferry between West Island and Home Island?
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in Cocos (Keeling) Islands:
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands Applied Laws Ordinance 1992- Federal Register of Legislation, Australian Government
- Cocos (Keeling) Islands environment and heritage- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, Australian Government
- Notice - Proclamation - Special Public & Bank Holidays 2019- Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, Australian Government
- A Culture Shaped by the Islands- Cocos Keeling Islands Visitor Centre
- Ferry Timetable - Cocos Keeling Islands- Cocos Keeling Islands Visitor Centre