Three-Day School Holiday Announced Nationwide

Following the extended Eid-ul-Fitr break, teachers and students across the country are set to enjoy another three-day holiday in early April. The break, scheduled for Sunday, 5 April, coincides with Easter Sunday, one of the principal religious festivals observed by the Christian community.

According to Christian tradition, Easter Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who overcame death to redeem humanity from sin. Prior to this, on Good Friday, Jesus was crucified unjustly by the ruling authorities of the time, who sought to preserve their corrupt governance. On the third day, Sunday, he rose from the dead, a miracle that is central to Christian belief. This day of resurrection is therefore celebrated as Easter Sunday.

In alignment with the weekly calendar, the two days preceding Easter Sunday—Friday, 3 April, and Saturday, 4 April—are regular weekend holidays. Consequently, educational institutions will remain closed for a continuous three-day period.

In a related development, the Ministry of Education, during a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, 31 March, announced a hybrid class schedule in response to the ongoing global energy crisis. Under the new arrangement, six days of classes will be conducted, with three days delivered online and three days held in person. This decision aims to ensure the continuity of education while accommodating energy conservation measures.

The proposed schedule is outlined below:

Officials noted that the schedule may be revised if unforeseen circumstances arise. Plans for online classes are expected to be further discussed in a cabinet meeting scheduled for Thursday. Once approved, students will commence online lessons immediately following the three-day holiday.

Education authorities emphasised that this hybrid approach balances academic continuity with logistical and energy challenges, while also allowing students and teachers to participate in significant cultural and religious observances. The new schedule is seen as a step towards greater flexibility in the education system, ensuring both learning and wellbeing are prioritised.

This three-day closure, followed by a hybrid learning model, is expected to provide a smoother transition for students back into academic routines after the holiday, while also accommodating ongoing national energy management efforts.