Delhi declares November 16 public holiday for Chhath Puja 2026
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, for Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashthi or Pratihar Shashthi, according to reports by Telegraph India, Prabhat Khabar and The Times of India.
The General Administration Department issued a notification on November 9, 2026, following approval from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. The holiday falls on a Monday.
This declaration covers all government offices, autonomous bodies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) that operate under the Government of the National Capital Territory 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 offer 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.