Muharram and Ashura 2027: Dates and Holidays in Pakistan

Muharram 1449 is expected to begin in Pakistan on Monday, June 7, 2027, marking the Islamic New Year. Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, is expected on Wednesday, June 16, 2027, with the 9th of Muharram on Tuesday, June 15, 2027. These are the two public holidays. All dates depend on the moon sighting by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee and may move by one day.

The live Islamic New Year countdown and Ashura countdown show how long is left.

Key dates at a glance

If the Muharram moon is sighted a day earlier or later than expected, every date in the table moves by one day. The government’s holiday notification is always based on the confirmed date.

The Islamic New Year

The Hijri calendar counts its years from the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE. The year 1449 AH begins with 1 Muharram. Unlike 1 January, the Islamic New Year is not usually a festive occasion in Pakistan, and it is not a public holiday. For many people it is a time of reflection.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months of the Islamic year, along with Rajab, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. You can check today’s Islamic date at any time on our Hijri date converter.

Ashura and the 9th and 10th Muharram holidays

In Pakistan, the 9th and 10th of Muharram are public holidays. Government offices, banks, schools and most businesses close on both days. In 2027 they are expected on Tuesday, June 15 and Wednesday, June 16.

Ashura carries meaning for Muslims in more than one way:

• It remembers the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), together with members of his family and companions at Karbala in 61 AH.
• It is also the day on which, according to a well-known hadith, Musa (Moses) and his people were saved, and the Prophet encouraged fasting on it.

How Muharram is observed in Pakistan

Observances differ between communities, and both traditions are a familiar part of life in Pakistan.

• Majalis and processions. Shia Muslims hold majalis (gatherings of remembrance) through the first ten days, and mourning processions take place, especially on the 9th and 10th. Many people also distribute food and water, known as sabeel and niaz.
• Fasting. Many Sunni Muslims fast on the 10th of Muharram, often together with the 9th or the 11th. Scholars differ on the details, so many people follow the guidance of their own mosque.
• Charity and reflection. People across communities give food and charity and spend time in prayer.

Practical notes for the 9th and 10th

Security is tightened in the main cities around Ashura. Mobile phone service is often suspended along procession routes for part of the day, and some roads are closed. If you are travelling, check local announcements and plan around the main routes.

Because the holidays sometimes join a weekend, they can make a long break. In 2027 the 10th falls on a Wednesday. You can see how they fit with the rest of the year on our 2027 holidays list.

Ashura in the coming years

Like every Islamic date, Ashura moves about 11 days earlier each year. Here is where it is expected to fall in Pakistan over the next few years:

Later years are rough guides only. Each one is confirmed by the moon sighting at the end of the previous Dhul Hijjah.

Frequently asked questions