KARACHI, Jan 2: The Sindh Government has announced holidays to be observed as Festival Holidays by all workers during the year, 2005.

The holidays are: Eid-ul-Azha - Jan 21, 22; Kashmir Day - Feb 5; Ashura (9, 10 Muharram) - Feb 18, 19; Pakistan Day - March 23; Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12 Rabiul Awwal) - April 21; Labour Day - May 1; Independence Day - Aug 14; Eidul Fitr (1st Shawal) - Nov 3, 5; Iqbal Day - Nov 9; Quaid-i-Azam Day/Christmas - Dec 25.

Meanwhile, the following days shall also be observed as Festival Holidays by members of minority communities. Hindus: Holi - March 16; Janam Ashtami - Aug 26; Durga Puja - 11 Oct 11; Dussehra - Oct 12; Diwali - Nov 2. Balamikies: Birth Day of Gurru Balmik Swamiji - Nov 18.

Christians: Good Friday - March 25; Easter Sunday - March 27; Day after Christmas - Dec 26. Parsis: Parsi New Year Day (Nauroze) - Aug 20; Birthday of Khoradadsal Lord Zoreaster - Aug 25. Buddist: Buddah Purnima - May 23. Sikh: Guru Nanak's Birthday - Nov 16.

The Muslim festival holidays will be subject to the appearance of the moon, as per decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Muslim workers belonging to an establishment, as a body at their option, but with a seven day notice to employers, may observe festival holidays on Shab-i-Barat and Shab-i-Miraj in lieu of any of the festival holidays. There will be no substitution for holidays falling on Sunday. - APP