Idd-ul-Fitr, a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world, marks the end of the holy month of fasting and prayer widely known as Ramadan.

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour wishes to inform employers and employees in public and private sectors that on Wednesday 10 April 2024, will be a public holiday to celebrate EID EL FITR, in accordance with the Presidential Order N° 062/01 of 19/10/2022 on public holidays,” the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

During Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, Muslim faithful wake up to cleanse their bodies in a ritual called ghusl.

After getting dressed for the day they gather in mosques or outdoor locations for prayers and listen to a khutba (sermon) and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food).

Customary greetings, Eid Mubarak, with a formal embrace – three times – are common during Eid.

The celebrations come at a time the country continues to observe the National Commemoration Week as part of the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The 30th commemoration, also known as Kwibuka30, kicked off on Sunday, April 7, with a national event presided over by President Paul Kagame.

The anniversary, that seeks to honour more than a million people who lost their lives in the genocide, is being marked under the theme "remember-unite-renew" and serves as a moment of reflection on peace and unity, as precursors for sustainable development.

Minister for Public Service and Labour ( MIFOTRA), Jeannette Bayisenge.