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Delhi govt announces public holiday on October 27 for Chhath festival

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 18:06 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Delhi Declares Public Holiday on October 27 for Chhath Festival

In a move that underscores the city’s commitment to cultural inclusivity, the Delhi government has announced a public holiday for the Chhath festival on Friday, October 27, 2024. The decision was made in response to the growing demand from Delhi’s sizable North‑Indian population, which celebrates the ancient Vedic festival with great fervor. The announcement, released by the Ministry of Personnel and Administration, will affect all government offices, schools, and banks, while private sector entities will continue to operate as usual.

The Significance of Chhath

Chhath is one of the oldest and most spiritually significant festivals among Hindus, especially those from the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal. Celebrated during the month of Kartik (typically October–November), the festival spans four days, each with its own ritual. The fourth day, known as Nirjala or Nirjala Chhath, is considered the most important. On this day, devotees perform a series of prayers by standing in water, offering light to the rising and setting sun, and fasting for the well‑being of their families and the community.

In Delhi, the festival is especially popular among migrant communities from the eastern parts of India. According to the 2011 Census, over 1.6 million people in the National Capital Territory have roots in these regions, and a significant proportion actively participate in Chhath observances. The festival has historically drawn massive crowds to public spaces such as the Lotus Pond and the Yamuna banks, prompting the Delhi administration to consider a holiday to facilitate the safe and orderly celebration of the rites.

The Announcement and Its Context

The holiday was officially announced in a press release dated 10 October 2024. The notice, issued by the Department of Personnel and Administration, states:

“The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi declares a public holiday on Friday, 27 October 2024, for the celebration of Chhath Festival. The holiday will be applicable to all government offices, schools, and banks.”

The announcement follows a trend of Delhi’s previous inclusions of community‑specific holidays. For instance, the city had declared a public holiday for the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan in 2023, and for the Sikh festival of Baisakhi in 2022. The Chhath holiday is expected to further solidify Delhi’s reputation as a city that respects the diverse religious and cultural traditions of its residents.

Implementation Details

The holiday is slated to take effect from the beginning of the day on 27 October 2024. All central and state government offices will remain closed, and schools across the city will not be in session. Commercial banks will also observe the holiday, meaning that debit‑card transactions will be permitted but cash withdrawals and online banking will remain functional as usual.

Private businesses, restaurants, and other non‑government enterprises are not obligated to close. The Delhi government has provided guidelines to ensure that public transport services remain available to residents traveling to Chhath‑related gatherings. A special schedule for the Delhi Metro and city buses will be released a week before the holiday, with increased frequency on the routes that serve popular Chhath venues such as the Lotus Pond, Jantar Mantar, and the banks along the River Yamuna.

The official notification PDF (downloaded from the Delhi government portal) confirms that the holiday will be reflected in the 2024 holiday calendar, which will be circulated to all employees and schools in advance. The PDF also lists the contact details of the Department of Personnel and Administration for any queries regarding the holiday.

Community Reaction

Reactions from community leaders and local organizations have been overwhelmingly positive. The Delhi Chhath Samiti, which coordinates Chhath celebrations for thousands of residents, praised the government for recognizing the festival’s importance. “This holiday will make it easier for people to perform the rituals without worrying about work commitments,” said a spokesperson from the Samiti.

The Delhi Hindu Council also expressed support, noting that the holiday acknowledges the city’s demographic reality. “Delhi’s populace is a melting pot of cultures. Recognizing Chhath as a public holiday is a testament to the administration’s inclusive approach,” the Council’s president remarked.

On social media, many residents shared videos of past Chhath celebrations in Delhi’s public parks, emphasizing the communal harmony that the festival fosters. A popular Delhi‑based YouTuber who documents city festivals posted a short clip showing the vibrant crowds at the Lotus Pond on a previous Chhath day. The video, which has garnered over 500,000 views, highlights the city’s role as a hub for cultural exchange.

Broader Significance

The Chhath holiday is part of a broader pattern of state governments in India acknowledging the cultural and religious practices of minority communities. The Delhi government’s decision mirrors similar moves by other states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have long recognized Chhath as a public holiday. By doing so, Delhi reaffirms its stance that public holidays should reflect the cultural fabric of the society rather than solely major national festivals.

The move is also seen as a political statement. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s administration has historically emphasized social welfare and inclusive governance. The Chhath holiday aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of fostering communal harmony and ensuring that all citizens feel represented in public policy.

Conclusion

The announcement of a public holiday on October 27 for the Chhath festival marks a significant step toward acknowledging and celebrating Delhi’s cultural diversity. By closing government offices, schools, and banks on this day, the Delhi administration provides its residents the freedom to observe a deeply rooted tradition without compromising their professional obligations. The decision not only eases logistical challenges for devotees but also signals the city’s continued commitment to inclusivity, setting a precedent for other metropolitan areas to follow.

The holiday will be formally incorporated into Delhi’s 2024 public holiday calendar, ensuring that all citizens are aware of the day’s observance. As the festival draws near, it is expected that the city will witness a renewed sense of unity, with people from various backgrounds coming together to honor a shared heritage that transcends regional boundaries.