Delhi Declares Public Holiday for Chhath Puja
Celebration of Chhath Puja
The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has announced a public holiday on Thursday, November 7, 2024, for all Delhi government offices. This is in observance of ‘Pratihar Shashthi’ or ‘Surya Shashthi’, commonly known as Chhath Puja.
Festival Details
Chhath Puja is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated from November 5 to 8. It is widely observed in Indian states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as internationally. In Delhi, devotees began rituals at the Yamuna and Ganga ghats early Tuesday morning.
Official Notification
A notification from Pradeep Tayal, Deputy Secretary of the General Administration Department, confirmed the holiday. It also mentioned the cancellation of a previously declared restricted holiday for Chhath Puja.
Rituals and Conclusion
The festival starts with Nahay-Khay, focusing on purification, followed by Kharna, Chhath Puja, and concludes with Usha Arghya on November 8.
Doubts Revealed
Lieutenant Governor -: The Lieutenant Governor is a government official who acts as the representative of the central government in a Union Territory like Delhi. They have certain powers and responsibilities, including declaring public holidays.
Vinai Kumar Saxena -: Vinai Kumar Saxena is the name of the person who is the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. He is responsible for making important decisions for the city.
Chhath Puja -: Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It involves various rituals performed over four days to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth.
Public Holiday -: A public holiday is a day when most people do not have to go to work or school. It is a day off to celebrate or observe a special occasion or festival.
Yamuna and Ganga ghats -: Ghats are steps leading down to a river, often used for religious rituals. The Yamuna and Ganga are two major rivers in India, and people gather at these ghats to perform Chhath Puja rituals.
Pradeep Tayal -: Pradeep Tayal is the Deputy Secretary who announced the public holiday for Chhath Puja in Delhi. A Deputy Secretary is a government official who helps in administrative tasks and decision-making.
Restricted holiday -: A restricted holiday is a type of holiday where employees can choose to take a day off, but it is not mandatory for everyone. It is different from a public holiday, which applies to everyone.
Nahay-Khay -: Nahay-Khay is the first ritual of Chhath Puja, where devotees take a holy bath and prepare a special meal. It marks the beginning of the four-day festival.
