New Delhi [India]: The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has declared Thursday a public holiday in all Delhi government offices in observance of ‘Pratihar Shashthi’ or ‘Surya Shashthi’ (Chhath Puja).
The four-day festival began on Tuesday. Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God, is celebrated across various Indian states and internationally. This year, it spans from November 5 to 8.
“The Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is pleased to declare Thursday, 7th November 2024, as a holiday in all Government offices under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on ‘Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi (Chhat Puja)’,” read a notification issued by Pradeep Tayal, Deputy Secretary, General Administration Department.
The notification also stated, “The Restricted Holiday on the occasion of Chhath Puja declared earlier vide notification no. F.53/627/GAD/CN/2023/2212-2258 dated 19/10/2023 stands cancelled.”
Chhath Puja is widely celebrated across the country, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Devotees in these states, as well as in Delhi, began rituals early Tuesday morning at the Yamuna and Ganga ghats.
The festival starts with Nahay-Khay on the Chaturthi Tithi of Kartik Shukla Paksha, focusing on purification and preparation. This is followed by Kharna on Panchami Tithi, Chhath Puja on Sashti, and concludes with Usha Arghya on Saptami Tithi.
The festivities will conclude on November 8.