Delhi schools and government offices to close on November 16 for Chhath Puja
The holiday applies to all government, aided, and recognised private schools as well as various public sector units.
All government, government-aided, and recognised private schools in Delhi will remain closed on Monday, November 16, for Chhath Puja, according to The Indian Express. The Directorate of Education (DoE) issued a circular on November 13 directing these institutions to observe the holiday.
The closure follows a notification from the General Administration Department on November 9. This order also applies to all public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, and government offices under the Delhi government.
The holiday for Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi is separate from existing instructions regarding air quality. In parts of the National Capital Region (NCR), authorities have previously directed schools to use online or hybrid modes of teaching to reduce exposure to pollution.
These pollution-related measures are part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Under these guidelines, schools in areas like Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar have been asked to offer a choice between physical and online classes.
Parents and students have been advised to monitor updates from district administrations and education departments regarding physical attendance and teaching arrangements.