Chhath Puja: Which States Have Declared Public Holidays | India News – Times of India

Several states, including Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, have declared public holidays on the occasion of Chhath Puja.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Friday announced that November 7 will be a public holiday in the capital to celebrate Chhath Puja. The decision came in response to a request from Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who had urged the CM to declare the day a public holiday in honor of the festival.
The LG on Tuesday declared a public holiday for all government offices in Delhi to mark ‘Pratihar Shashthi’ or ‘Surya Shashthi’ (Chhath Puja). The four-day festival, which began on Tuesday, honors the Sun God and is celebrated in several Indian states and worldwide. This year Chhath Puja will take place from November 5 to 8.
“The Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is pleased to declare Thursday, November 7, 2024, as a public holiday in all government offices under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on ‘Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi (Chhat Puja)’” , read a notification issued by Pradeep Tayal, Assistant Secretary, General Administration Department.
Check the list of states that have declared holidays:
Public holidays
On November 7 (Thursday), banks in Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand and Bengal will be closed on the occasion of Chhath Puja Evening Arghya. The next day, November 8 (Friday), banks in Bihar, Jharkhand and Meghalaya will remain closed due to Chhath Puja Morning Arghya and Wangala Festival.
School holidays
Schools will remain closed in Bihar, Jharkhand and UP on November 7 on the occasion of Chhath Puja. The festival involves fasting and prayers for the health and prosperity of family members. In areas where Chhath Puja is celebrated, schools close so that students can participate in the early morning and evening rituals along the riverbanks.