Delhi Schools Closed on November 16 for Chhath Puja

School Closures

Schools across Delhi will stay closed on November 16 for Chhath Puja. The Directorate of Education issued a circular on November 13 announcing this holiday. The break applies to all government schools, government-aided schools, and recognised private schools under the Directorate.

Official Orders

This order follows a November 9 notification from the General Administration Department. That notice declared November 16 a public holiday for Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, which is Chhath Puja. The holiday also covers Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings.

Pollution Measures

Meanwhile, schools in parts of the National Capital Region continue to operate using online or hybrid classes. Authorities introduced these learning modes because of rising pollution levels. Before Diwali, officials in Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar told schools to shift classes online or offer hybrid choices. These steps follow rules under the Graded Response Action Plan, put in place by the Commission for Air Quality Management.

Context

Chhath Puja is a major traditional festival widely celebrated in parts of northern India, particularly by people from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Public holidays for major festivals help families take part in multi-day community rituals. These holiday closures are separate from emergency pollution restrictions that affect how schools conduct regular classes.