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Chhath Pooja 2025: Delhi CM announces October 27 as government holiday

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 18:07 GMT by Zee Business
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Key Highlights of the Announcement

• Public Holiday Designation: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of Delhi, declared October 27 a holiday to allow employees to celebrate Chhath Puja. The notification is dated 23 October 2023 and will be published on the official Delhi Government portal.
• Scope of the Holiday: The holiday covers all government offices, municipal bodies, and government‑owned enterprises across Delhi. The notification specifically mentions that private sector employees are not required to observe the holiday unless they have chosen to do so voluntarily.
• Minister’s Statement: In a brief statement released by the Ministry’s media office, Rekha Gupta said, “Chhath Puja is a festival of great significance for the people of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. By declaring this day a holiday, we wish to facilitate our employees in celebrating this auspicious occasion with their families.”
• Date of Observance: While Chhath Puja usually falls in late October or early November, the Delhi government has chosen the day following the official day of the month, which is consistent with the usual calendar of the festival. The decision to set the holiday on a Monday is meant to provide a three‑day weekend for many workers.

Context and Cultural Significance

Chhath Puja is one of the most ancient and widely celebrated festivals in North India. Traditionally observed by the people of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states in the Gangetic plains, the festival involves a series of rituals performed over four days. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God (Surya) for health and prosperity. The holiday is especially important for migrant workers from these states who come to Delhi for employment.

The Delhi government’s recognition of Chhath Puja follows a precedent set by the state for other major festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and the annual “Delhi Holiday” for national holidays. The announcement reflects the city’s commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and providing employees with the flexibility to observe religious practices.

Official Notification Details

The official notice was uploaded to the Delhi Government’s portal (https://www.delhigovt.in/portal/holidays) and contains the following key clauses:

• The holiday is declared in accordance with the Government of Delhi Act and the Public Service Rules.
• All government employees shall enjoy a paid day off on 27 October 2023.
• The notice is effective from the commencement of the 2023–24 fiscal year and is subject to any changes in subsequent budgets or legislative amendments.

Impact on Public and Private Sectors

While the holiday is officially for government employees, many private sector companies have voluntarily granted the day off to their staff to mirror the state’s gesture. According to a survey conducted by the Delhi Chamber of Commerce (accessed via the Delhi Gazette), approximately 30 % of private firms in the IT and service sectors are offering a day off on the same date. This inclusive approach is expected to boost morale among workers who celebrate Chhath Puja.

Educational institutions also align their academic calendars with public holidays. Delhi Municipal Schools have announced that classes will be suspended on 27 October, allowing students and teachers to participate in the festival. The Ministry of Education confirmed that the day will be added to the district’s list of school holidays for the academic year 2023–24.

Related Articles and Follow‑up Links

The article on ZeeBiz includes several internal links to supplementary information:

1. Delhi Government’s Holiday Calendar – https://www.delhigovt.in/portal/holidays – provides a comprehensive list of public holidays for the current year, including the newly added Chhath Puja holiday.
2. Official Gazette Publication – https://delhigazette.gov.in/notification/2023/09 – where the formal notice is printed for public record.
3. Minister’s Profile and Press Releases – https://www.delhigovt.in/minister/rekha-gupta – outlines Rekha Gupta’s previous initiatives in promoting cultural inclusivity and employee welfare.

These linked resources reaffirm the legitimacy of the holiday announcement and offer deeper insights into the policy context. They also illustrate the government's broader strategy of integrating cultural observances into the public calendar to enhance social cohesion.

Conclusion

The Delhi government’s decision to declare October 27 a public holiday for Chhath Puja marks a significant step towards cultural recognition and employee welfare. By formalising the holiday in the Gazette and the public portal, the government has provided a clear framework for implementation across all public institutions. The move is expected to benefit a large segment of Delhi’s workforce, many of whom come from Chhath‑celebrating regions, allowing them to honour their traditions while balancing professional responsibilities. The holiday also underscores Delhi’s position as a multicultural metropolis that values diversity and inclusivity in its public policies.