Awal Muharram, also known as Maal Hijrah, marks the first day of the Islamic calendar and the start of a new year. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s migration, the Hijrah, from Mecca to Medina, a turning point in Islamic history, and across Kelantan it is observed as a public holiday with a reflective, rather than festive, character.
The day is centred on prayer, religious talks, and quiet stocktaking, with mosques and institutions holding gatherings that look back on the year and ahead to the next. In a state where faith is woven through daily life, it is a meaningful marker of renewal and intention.
Practical notes: This is a public holiday, so some shops and offices may close or open late. Observances are religious in nature; visitors are welcome to take them in respectfully and should dress modestly near mosques.