Delhi Holiday 16 Nov Monday For All Govt Offices, Autonomous Bodies, PSUs – Here’s The Reason | Today’s news
The Delhi government has declared November 16, 2026 (Monday), as a public holiday for all government departments, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the national capital on account of Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, popularly known as Chhath Puja.
According to an official order, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu has approved a holiday for all government offices, autonomous bodies and PSUs in Delhi.
“The Governor of the National Capital City of Delhi is pleased to declare November 16, 2026 (Monday) as a holiday in all government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings on account of Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi (Chhath Puja),” the order said.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Yes. The Delhi government has declared Monday, November 16, 2026 as a public holiday for Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, also known as Chhath Puja.
The holiday is applicable to all Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings (PSUs), according to an official order.
The Lieutenant Governor has sanctioned a holiday for Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, popularly known as Chhath Puja.
The four-day Chhath Puja festival begins in Delhi on November 13, 2026. The public holiday falls on Monday, November 16.
More than 1,400 ghats are being prepared, including lighting, tents, CCTV cameras at main ghats, changing rooms for women and round-the-clock housekeeping.
The announcement comes as the Delhi government ramps up preparations for the four-day Chhath Puja festival, which begins on November 13.
Delhi is gearing up for grand Chhath Puja celebrations
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that Chhath is not only a religious celebration but also a symbol of Delhi’s social and cultural unity.
She said the government wants the fasting devotees and visitors to celebrate the festival with faith, respect and peace of mind.
Gupta recently chaired a high-level review meeting to review the preparations for the festival and directed officials to prioritize the comfort, safety and cleanliness of devotees.
More than 1,400 ghats are being prepared in Delhi this year compared to 1,326 last year. The facilities include changing rooms for women, CCTV cameras at the main ghats, adequate lighting, tents and round-the-clock housekeeping facilities.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure that large and medium-sized ghats are adequately covered with tents, keeping in view the winter chill.
Delhi get the 11 km long Chhath ghat along the Munak canal
One of the main attractions this year will be the 11 km long ghat being built along the Munak canal. Said to be the longest Chhath ghat in Delhi, it stretches from the outer circle to Inderlok.
The ghat will have steps on both sides and a concrete path to provide convenient access for devotees who visit for prayers.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin is expected to inaugurate the facility on November 12, Gupta said.
LG reviews Chhath Puja preparations
On November 6, Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu reviewed the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) preparations for Chhath Puja along with its Deputy Chairman and other senior officials.
According to an official statement, the LG directed the DDA to provide spaces and ponds in the Yamuna floodplain and public spaces and parks under its jurisdiction for Chhath celebrations free of charge.
He also instructed the officials to ensure that these places are thoroughly cleaned and prepared with adequate lighting before handing over to the devotees.
The LG said the allotment should be done transparently, keeping in mind local requirements, past usage and demand from devotees, especially those from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
He also directed the DDA to deploy designated staff to assist the devotees and coordinate them with relevant government departments and agencies in Delhi, including the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The authorities have also been asked to ensure that the sites are cleaned and restored after the Chhath Puja is over.
Read also | Diwali, Chhath 2026: Delhi Traffic Alert for Anand Vihar ISBT till November 15
