Delhi Declares School and Office Holiday for Chhath Puja on November 16

Schools and government offices in Delhi will remain closed on November 16 for Chhath Puja.

School and Office Closures

The Directorate of Education issued a circular on Friday stating that all government schools, government-aided schools, and recognized private schools under its authority will observe a holiday. This closure also applies to all Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings under an order issued in the name of the Lieutenant Governor, following a prior notification by the General Administration Department on November 9.

Festival Background

Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and is widely celebrated in northern states. The festival begins on the sixth day after Deepawali and spans four days of worship.

Context

Festivals like Chhath Puja are major cultural events in northern India, often requiring official government holidays to help people participate in traditional rituals. Administrative departments routinely issue circulars well in advance to ensure schools and public offices manage their schedules around these regional observances.