Tabaski in The Gambia
Tabaski, also called Tobaski in The Gambia, is Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Feast of Sacrifice. The President has declared it a public holiday throughout the country, and its date varies with the Islamic calendar.[1][2][5]
Meaning and timing
Eid al-Adha begins on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijja, the last month of the Muslim calendar, and is linked to the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It recalls Abraham’s willingness to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son; in the Islamic account, God provides a ram instead.[1]
The lunar calendar means the Gregorian date shifts from year to year. The Government of The Gambia lists Eid al-Adha among the country’s holidays and says its date varies based on the Islamic calendar.[5]
Public holiday status
The Office of the President has declared Eid al-Adha a public holiday throughout The Gambia. One presidential notice cites section 76(1) of the 1997 Constitution; another describes the nationwide holiday as marking Eid ul-Adha, locally called Tobaski.[2][3]
The number of declared days has varied between official notices: one named a single day, while another named two days.[2][3]
How it is observed
Muslims gathered for Eid prayers at Banjul’s King Fahd Mosque, where the Imam Ratib led the prayer and supervised the slaughter of a sacrificial lamb in line with religious teachings.[4]
The Imam Ratib led the Eid prayer and supervised the sacrifice of a lamb at the gathering.[4]
Planning around the holiday
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[2][3] Check directly with banks, shops, schools or public transport providers for opening hours and schedules.
Check the government’s current announcement for the dates and number of declared public-holiday days, as Eid al-Adha follows a variable Islamic-calendar date.[3][5]
Tabaski in The Gambia: FAQs
Is Tabaski a public holiday in The Gambia?
When is Tabaski celebrated?
Are banks, shops, or public transport open?
Sources and references
Sources used for Tabaski in Gambia:
- Eid al-Adha- The Open University, OpenLearn
- President Barrow Declares Eid-ul-Adha (Tobaski) Holiday- Office of the President, Republic of The Gambia
- Declaration of Eid al-Adha Public Holidays- Office of the President, Republic of The Gambia
- PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS BANJUL EID PRAYERS, CALLS FOR PEACE AHEAD OF ELECTION- Gambia Radio and Television Services
- Important Dates- The Official Website of The Government of The Gambia