Schools across Delhi are expected to remain closed on Monday, November 16, 2026, on account of Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi, popularly known as Chhath Puja. The expectation follows the Delhi government’s decision to declare November 16 a public holiday across all government offices, autonomous bodies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).With the government extending the holiday to its offices and public sector establishments, government schools in the national capital are also expected to observe a holiday on the occasion. However, a separate school-specific closure notification has not been confirmed in the information available so far.
Delhi government declares November 16 a public holiday
According to the holiday announcement, November 16 (Monday) has been declared a public holiday across Delhi to mark Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi. The holiday will apply to all government offices, autonomous bodies and Public Sector Undertakings operating under the Delhi government.The decision places November 16 among the official public holidays observed in the national capital. The announcement is particularly relevant for government employees and residents observing Chhath Puja, one of the major festivals dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.
Will Delhi schools remain closed on November 16?
Government schools across Delhi are expected to remain closed on November 16 in view of the public holiday declared by the government. Since government offices, autonomous bodies and PSUs will observe the holiday, schools are also likely to follow the closure.Students and parents should, however, wait for the Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, or the concerned school authorities to issue a specific notification confirming the holiday for educational institutions.Private schools may issue separate instructions depending on their respective holiday calendars and administrative decisions. Parents are advised to check communications from their schools before making any changes to their schedules.
Why is November 16 a holiday?
The public holiday has been declared on the occasion of Pratihar Shashthi, also known as Surya Shashthi or Chhath Puja. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and is observed with traditional rituals, fasting and offerings.Chhath Puja holds particular cultural and religious importance in Delhi, which has a substantial population of people from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Devotees observe the festival over several days, offering prayers to the setting and rising Sun as part of the traditional rituals.With November 16 falling on a Monday, the public holiday will provide government employees and other eligible establishments with a day off to observe the festival.Students and parents should keep an eye on official announcements from the Delhi Directorate of Education for confirmation of the school holiday.
