Delhi has declared November 16 a public holiday for Chhath Puja across schools, government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings.

Delhi declares November 16 holiday for Chhath Puja, Bihar schools shut till Nov 17

Delhi has declared November 16 a public holiday for Chhath Puja across schools, government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings. The Monday closure gives government employees a weekday break, while Bihar schools remain shut until November 17.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Four-day festival begins November 13 amid preparations across the national capital
  • Lieutenant Governor approved the department's notification issued on November 9
  • Joint Secretary Pradeep Tayal issued the order for Delhi Gazette publication

The Delhi government has declared November 16, 2026, a public holiday for Chhath Puja, bringing a day off for government offices and other establishments under the national capital’s administration. The holiday falls on a Monday and will apply to schools, colleges, government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings.

The decision comes as preparations gather pace for the four-day festival, which begins on November 13. The General Administration Department issued the notification on November 9, with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor.

DELHI’S NOVEMBER 16 HOLIDAY: WHO WILL GET THE DAY OFF?

The notification declares November 16 a holiday in schools, colleges, all government offices, autonomous bodies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) functioning under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The order was issued by Joint Secretary Pradeep Tayal and will be published in the Delhi Gazette, Part IV (Extraordinary).

The department has circulated the order to government departments, ministries, administrative offices and municipal authorities for information and necessary action.

BIHAR SCHOOLS ALREADY ON A LONG CHHATH BREAK

Meanwhile, government schools across Bihar are closed from November 7 to November 17, 2026. The extended break covers the Chhath Puja period, with schools expected to reopen after the holiday window.

Chhath Puja, also known as Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. Devotees observe rituals and offer prayers to the setting and rising Sun, often gathering at riverbanks, ponds and designated ghats.

With November 16 falling on a Monday, the Delhi holiday gives government employees a weekday break for the festival.

- Ends