October 27 School Holiday in in Delhi, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh

With the holy festival of Chhath Puja inching closer, various state governments have declared school and college holidays to enable devotees to take part in the rituals. Celebrated with immense fervor in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and some parts of West Bengal, the festival honors the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Delhi Declares School Holiday

In the capital city, the government has announced a one-day holiday for schools on October 27 to enable families to watch the rituals without any interruption in classes. The announcement is intended to enable devotees to take part in the festival and also cater to students involved in community prayers and cultural programs.

Bihar Extends Holidays

Bihar, where Chhath Puja is a significant holiday, will have schools and colleges off until October 29. The longer holiday season overlaps with the earlier Diwali festivities in the month so students and their families can participate in the four-day fast and prayer ceremonies.

Uttar Pradesh Prepares for Localised School Closures

In Uttar Pradesh, some districts such as Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj are likely to have a local holiday on October 27. Even though a state-level circular is pending, a number of districts have already declared local holidays to facilitate the believers attending the Chhath rituals.

West Bengal Observes Jagadhatri Puja

In West Bengal, Jagadhatri Puja is a major festival, and Chandannagar, Krishnanagar, and Murshidabad schools will be closed on October 31 for the festival. October 27 and 28 can also be declared as holidays in some schools to celebrate Chhath Puja.

Significance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a sacred festival of devotion and thanksgiving to the Sun God, consisting of severe fasting, ritualistic offerings and prayers for maintaining life and bestowing prosperity, health, and well-being. Millions of devotees flock to riverbanks, ghats, and ponds to conduct 'arghya' at sunrise and sunset, making it one of India's most photographically attractive and spiritually significant festivals.

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