The Government of Nepal has announced a public holiday on Monday, November 16, to celebrate the Chhath festival.
A notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed this additional holiday on Friday.
“The Government has already designated November 15 (Sunday) as a public holiday for Chhath. An extra public holiday has now been added for November 16 (Monday),” the notice stated.
Why is Monday a public holiday?
Chhath is a significant Hindu festival where devotees honor the Sun God. They pray to the setting sun on the first day and the rising sun on the following day.
On Sunday evening, devotees will offer arghya to the setting sun. The festival will wrap up on Monday morning with prayers and offerings to the rising sun after completing their fast.
“An extra public holiday has been announced for Monday,” stated the Home Ministry.
Official Notice from Home Ministry
The notice, signed by Anand Kafle, joint secretary and spokesperson at the Ministry of Home Affairs, requested that “the concerned authorities and the public note that an extra public holiday has been declared on November 16 (30 Kartik 2083).”
This means both Sunday and Monday will be public holidays, allowing more time for festival celebrations.