Delhi declares November 16 public holiday for Chhath Puja
The holiday applies to all government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings under the Delhi government.
The Delhi government has announced a public holiday on November 16, 2026, to mark Chhath Puja, also known as Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, according to reports by The Times of India and Telegraph India.
The General Administration Department issued the notification on November 9, 2026, following approval from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. The holiday, which falls on a Monday, covers all government offices, autonomous bodies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) operating under the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Pradeep Tayal, Joint Secretary of the General Administration Department, issued the order under file number 53/876/GAD/CN/2026/6376-6418. The order is set to be published in the Delhi Gazette, Part IV (Extraordinary).
Chhath Puja is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, where devotees perform rituals and prayers during sunrise and sunset.
Copies of the notification have been sent to various ministries, administrative offices, municipal authorities and government departments for necessary action.