Delhi Chhath Puja Holiday: Government Offices Shut on 16 November
Delhi government staff get Monday off for the last day of Chhath; private employers and central offices are not covered by the notification.
Image: Pexels
The Delhi government has declared Monday, 16 November 2026, a public holiday for Pratihar Shashthi, also called Surya Shashthi or Chhath Puja. The General Administration Department issued the notification on 9 November in the name of the Lieutenant Governor, and the government announced it publicly on 10 November through its official account on X. Offices of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, its autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings will stay shut, and “all operations in these institutions will remain suspended on that day”, the notification says.
Private Offices and Central Departments Not Covered
The order applies only to institutions under the Delhi government. Reports on the notification say it does not mention private companies or establishments under the Central government, so employees there will need to check with their employers. The notification, as reported, does not say anything about schools.
Four Days of Chhath From 13 November
Chhath this year runs from Friday, 13 November, to Monday, 16 November. The festival begins with Nahay Khay on 13 November, followed by Kharna on 14 November. Sandhya Arghya, the evening offering to the setting Sun and the main day of the festival, falls on Sunday, 15 November. Devotees make the Usha Arghya offering to the rising Sun on the morning of 16 November and then break the fast. That last day is the one the government has marked as a holiday.
Also read Delhi Weather Today: Moderate Morning Fog, Highs of 27-29°C, No Rain
Ghat Preparations Under Way
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a review meeting with departments and the district administration earlier this month and told officials to inspect each ghat in person, so that there are “no shortcomings in arrangements for devotees’ convenience, safety, cleanliness”, ANI reported. Ghat space and ponds on the Yamuna floodplain and in DDA parks are to be given to devotees free of charge. The Delhi Development Authority is to coordinate with the Delhi Jal Board and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and the sites must be restored after the festival.
Delhi’s air quality has been poor since Diwali, as IPB News reported, and the Yamuna is also in the news this week with the first river cruise service.
Source: Based on reporting by ETV Bharat, India TV, Oneindia and Asianet News (ANI).
Image: Pexels.
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