The Delhi government has declared Monday, November 16, 2026, a public holiday for Chhath Puja.
All government offices in the capital will stay closed that day.
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi approved the holiday.
It is for Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, which is another name for Chhath Puja.
The General Administration Department issued the notification on November 9. The decision was announced on Tuesday.
- November 9General Administration Department issues the holiday notification
- November 9CM Rekha Gupta chairs review meeting on devotee arrangements at ghats
- TuesdayDecision on the public holiday is announced
- Monday, November 16, 2026Public holiday for Chhath Puja in Delhi government offices
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Key points
- Holiday on Monday, November 16, 2026, for Chhath Puja
- Covers Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies and PSUs
- Private companies are not covered by this order
- The four-day festival runs from November 13 to November 16
Who gets the holiday, and who does not?
The holiday applies only to Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings.
PSUs are companies owned by the government.
The order does not extend to private companies.
If you work in a private firm, you need to check your employer's holiday list.
So if your office is a government one in Delhi, you can plan to be at home on November 16.
What is Chhath Puja, and why is it important?
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
Devotees fast and pray near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.
They offer Arghya to the setting Sun in the evening. The next morning, they offer Arghya to the rising Sun.
The festival is especially important for families from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh living in Delhi.
The rituals seek good health, prosperity and the well-being of family members.
What is the government doing for devotees?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a review meeting on November 9.
She asked officials to focus on the comfort, safety and cleanliness of devotees at the ghats.
Arrangements include separate changing rooms for women, CCTV at major ghats, lighting, tents and round-the-clock cleaning.
The government is also preparing an 11-km-long ghat near the Munak Canal.
This will help accommodate devotees during the festival.
