The Delhi government has given great relief to lakhs of Purvanchali families and government employees living in the national capital Delhi regarding Chhath Puja, the great festival of folk faith. According to the official notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) of Delhi with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, Monday, 16 November 2026 has been declared a public holiday in entire Delhi on the occasion of Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi (Chhath Puja). Under this decision, on November 16, all government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings (PSUs) under the Delhi government will remain completely closed. Since the last main rituals of Chhath Mahaparva—Usha Arghya and Paran to the rising sun—will be held on Monday morning, this holiday will provide the devotees with the facility to offer prayers without any official pressure.
Notification No. F. No. issued by Pradeep Tayal, Joint Secretary (General Administration Department), Government of Delhi. According to 53/876/GAD/CN/2026/6376-6418, the leave status will be as follows:
| Institution/Service Category | Situation on 16 November 2026 (Monday) | Official rules and details |
| All offices of Delhi Government | completely closed | Secretariat, revenue, transport and all other state government offices will remain closed. |
| Autonomous Bodies and PSUs | completely closed | All corporations, boards and public undertakings under the Delhi government will remain closed. |
| Local Body (MCD/NDMC) | holiday applies | A copy of the order has also been sent to the administrative offices of Delhi Municipal Corporation and New Delhi Municipal Council. |
| Government and private schools | As per instructions of school/education department | As per government order, there will be holiday in the concerned government and aided schools; For private schools, parents should confirm their school information. |
| Emergency and essential services | on regular basis | Government hospitals, ambulance, fire, police, water supply and metro/DTC transport services will continue to function normally. |
This four-day festival of worship of Sun God and Chhathi Maiya will be celebrated from Friday, 13 November 2026 to Monday, 16 November 2026:
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Day 1 – Nahay-Khay (13 November, Friday): The resolution of the fast will be taken with holy bath and satvik food (pumpkin-rice).
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Day 2 – Kharna (November 14, Saturday): After fasting for the whole day without water, the 36 hours of tough waterless fast will begin by taking the prasad of jaggery kheer and roti in the evening.
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Day 3 – Sandhya Arghya (15 November, Sunday): After reaching the Ghats, the fasting people and devotees will offer the first Arghya to the setting (setting) Sun. Since it is Sunday, this day will already be a weekly holiday.
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Day 4 – Usha Arghya and Paran (16 November, Monday): The great festival will end with offering Arghya to the rising Sun and on this day the Delhi Government has declared a public holiday.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has described Chhath festival as a symbol of social and cultural unity of Delhi and has given strict instructions to the administration to ensure the convenience and safety of the devotees. This year there were 1,326 losses across Delhi compared to last year. More than 1,400 Chhath Ghats Are being prepared.
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11 kilometer long special ghat: Delhi’s longest 11 km Chhath Ghat has been developed along the Munak Canal from Outer Ring Road to Indralok, where concrete stairs and easy access roads have been built on both sides.
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Modern facilities on the ghats: In view of the winter season, fully covered waterproof tents, safe changing rooms for women, high-mast lighting, 24-hour cleanliness drive and CCTV cameras for security have been provided on large and medium-sized ghats.
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Traffic and Parking Management: Special traffic advisories have also been issued by Delhi Traffic Police for smooth movement around major ghats and interstate bus stands (like Anand Vihar ISBT).