The Delhi Government has announced a holiday for government offices and schools on November 16 for the festival.
The Delhi Government has declared November 16, 2026, a public holiday for Chhath Puja, according to reports from Times Now and Urban Acres. The order, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), applies to all government offices, autonomous bodies, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the capital.
The holiday specifically marks Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, coinciding with the concluding morning prayers and Usha Arghya. Joint Secretary of the GAD, Pradeep Tayal, issued the official order. All government and aided schools in New Delhi are also expected to remain closed on that Monday.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Chhath is a symbol of the social and cultural unity of Delhi. Following a high-level review meeting on Monday, Gupta directed officials to prioritise the safety, cleanliness, and convenience of devotees. Preparations include installing CCTV cameras, changing rooms for women, tents, and adequate lighting at major ghats.
The administration is also preparing an 11-kilometre-long ghat near the Munak Canal. In Bihar, educational institutions are expected to shut for three to four days, potentially from November 14 to 16. In West Bengal, schools are likely to remain closed from November 16 to November 20 for Jagadhatri Puja.
The four-day Chhath festival is scheduled to begin on November 13. While an official notification is still awaited in Uttar Pradesh, schools in districts such as Varanasi and Gorakhpur are expected to observe holidays.
