Tengrinews.kz – In June 2025, Kazakhstanis will have an additional public holiday. Friday, June 6, will be a non-working day in connection with the celebration of Qurban Ait (Eid al-Adha).
This was confirmed in an official response from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection to the editorial team's inquiry.
"According to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, in 2025 the Kurban Ait holiday will fall on June 6. Thus, Friday, June 6, 2025, will be a day off," the ministry reported.
At the same time, officials clarified that although Qurban Ait is a religious holiday, it is classified as a holiday but not a national (state) holiday. This means weekend shifts, which are applied for national holidays, do not apply in this case.
"In accordance with paragraph 5 of Article 84 of the Labor Code, the first day of Qurban Ait, celebrated according to the Muslim calendar, is a non-working day. However, it is not included in the list of national holidays," the ministry added.
They also noted that no other weekend shifts are planned in June 2025.
"According to the order of the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan dated November 21, 2024, No. 436 'On the transfer of rest days in 2025,' the day off from Sunday, January 5, was moved to Friday, January 3. No other transfers are planned for 2025," the ministry said.
When is Qurban Ait celebrated in 2025?
Qurban Ait will be observed on June 6, 7, and 8. This was also confirmed by the Sharia and Fatwa Department of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (SAMK).
For a five-day workweek:
- June 6 (Friday), June 7 (Saturday), and June 8 (Sunday) are days off.
For a six-day workweek:
- June 6 (Friday) – day off;
- June 7 (Saturday) – working day;
- June 8 (Sunday) – day off.
What is Qurban Ait?
Qurban Ait is celebrated 70 days after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The holiday symbolizes sacrifice, compassion, and helping others.
On this day:
- Special prayer (Ait namaz) in mosques;
- Sacrifice of animals (sheep, cow, or camel);
- Meat is shared with family, neighbors, and the needy.
The official celebration date is approved by the Ministry of Labor based on recommendations from religious authorities.
How many days off in June 2025?
- Five-day workweek: 10 days off (including holidays), 20 working days;
- Six-day workweek: 6 days off, 24 working days.
Illustration: Tengrinews.kz/Serikbolsyn Alibekov
Professional holidays in June (not official days off)
- June 5 – Ecologist's Day;
- June 7 – Day of Antimonopoly Authority Workers;
- June 9 – Day of Military Servicemen and Employees of Special Purpose Units of Government Agencies;
- June 23 – Police Day & Civil Servant's Day;
- June 24 – Day of Judge and Court Employees;
- 2nd Sunday of June – Day of Light Industry Workers & Livestock Breeders' Day;
- 3rd Sunday of June – Medical Worker's Day;
- June 28 – Mass Media Workers' Day.