Karwa Chauth holiday expanded in Himachal: Men get the day off too

A festival holiday traditionally associated with women will mean a day off for more employees in Himachal Pradesh this year. The state government has expanded the Karwa Chauth holiday to include men, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announcing the decision ahead of the festival on Thursday, October 29.

Reports by Dainik Jagran on October 28 said the move would extend the holiday beyond women employees, allowing men and women to observe the festival together. The announcement broadens an arrangement that had previously been limited to women working in state government offices and specified institutions.

Why has Himachal Pradesh expanded the Karwa Chauth holiday?

The state’s original 2026 holiday notification listed Karwa Chauth as a gazetted holiday for women employees in government offices, boards, corporations and educational institutions. The notification also covered women daily-wage employees.

The government’s published holiday calendar confirms that October 29 falls on a Thursday and identifies Karwa Chauth as a holiday for women employees. The latest announcement, reported by multiple media outlets on Wednesday, extends the benefit to male employees as well. The change follows a similar decision around Raksha Bandhan, when the Sukhu government extended the holiday to men. The latest move gives more employees the opportunity to take part in family celebrations.

Which offices and schools will be closed on October 29?

According to reports, the expanded holiday covers state government offices, along with schools and colleges across Himachal Pradesh. The original holiday framework also includes government boards, corporations and educational institutions. Residents should check with individual institutions for any specific arrangements, particularly where private establishments or essential services have separate operating schedules.

Will banks remain open on Karwa Chauth? This requires a separate check. A state government holiday does not automatically mean every bank branch will close. The Reserve Bank of India’s holiday framework and individual bank notices determine branch closures. Customers should confirm with their local branch before visiting.

What is Karwa Chauth and why is it celebrated?

Karwa Chauth is a Hindu festival observed by many married women, who traditionally fast from sunrise until moonrise and pray for their husbands’ long lives, health and well-being. The fast is commonly broken after the moon is sighted and prayers are offered.

The day is also marked by dressing in festive clothes, applying mehndi, exchanging gifts and gathering with family and friends. Customs vary across regions and communities, and some couples now observe the occasion together.

What should Himachal residents know before the holiday?

The key change is the extension of the holiday to men, following an earlier arrangement focused on women employees. For residents planning office visits, school schedules or banking transactions on October 29, it is worth confirming the relevant institution’s latest notice rather than assuming every service will be closed.

The decision gives more families time to celebrate Karwa Chauth, while the exact impact on individual workplaces and services will depend on the applicable holiday instructions.

(With inputs from ANI)