The Government of Nepal has announced an additional public holiday on Monday, the day after Chhath Festival, allowing the festival to be observed over two consecutive days.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice on Friday announcing that Monday, Kartik 30, 2083, will be a public holiday across the country.
The government had previously declared Sunday, Kartik 29, a public holiday on the occasion of Chhath Festival. With the latest decision, public offices and institutions will remain closed on both Sunday and Monday.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the additional holiday has been granted in consideration of the traditional rituals associated with Chhath.
On the first day, devotees offer Arghya (ritual offerings) to the setting sun, while the festival concludes the following morning after devotees offer Arghya to the rising sun.
The ministry stated that the additional holiday was decided to facilitate the completion of traditional Chhath rituals and allow devotees to observe the festival without disruption.
The notice issued by Ministry spokesperson Anand Kafle informed all concerned authorities and the general public about the public holiday on Monday.
With the decision, Chhath Festival will be observed with two consecutive public holidays on Sunday and Monday this year.
