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Himachal Pradesh News Updated Oct 28, 2026

Himachal Declares October 29 Public Holiday for Karwa Chauth

The Himachal Pradesh government has declared October 29 a public holiday across the state for Karwa Chauth. The General Administration Department order covers all government offices, boards, corporations, schools, colleges and universities, though commercial banks will function normally. The holiday was announced to let employees celebrate the festival, observed by married women for their husbands' well-being.

Himachal government declares October 29 a public holiday for Karwa Chauth

Shimla, October 28

The Himachal Pradesh government has declared October 29, as a public holiday across the state on the occasion of Karwa Chauth.

According to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the holiday will be observed in all government offices, boards, corporations, schools, colleges and universities across Himachal Pradesh to facilitate employees in celebrating the festival.

The notification, issued under the directive of the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, was signed by Additional Secretary (GAD) Harish Gaija.

The order stated that the holiday would apply to all state government departments, public sector undertakings and educational institutions across the state.

However, the holiday will not be covered under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, meaning commercial banks will continue to operate as usual.

The state government has announced the holiday to enable employees to celebrate Karwa Chauth, which is observed by married women seeking the long life, health and well-being of their husbands.

To mark the occasion in traditional style, women dressed in their finest attire--mostly in red--and adorned with ornaments gathered near local water bodies. They performed rituals, offered prayers, and later sang bhajans and danced in a celebratory spirit.

— ANI

Reader’s Guide · AI-assisted, based only on the report above

What the report makes clear: The state government has declared a one-day public holiday for Karwa Chauth across its offices and educational institutions, while commercial banks remain open.

Still open: The report does not yet say whether similar holidays have been declared in past years or how many employees the order covers.

Another way to look at it: A state-wide holiday eases celebration for employees but shifts a working day's load onto banks and private offices that stay open.

Should festival holidays be declared state-wide, or left to individual institutions to decide?

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