Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has written a letter to Chief Minister Atishi urging her to declare November 7 a full-time holiday on the third day of Chhath.
"In a few days, we will be celebrating Chhath. This grand festival of faith is celebrated for four days, with the third day - when the setting sun is offered 'Arghya' (water offering) - being the most significant," the letter of Delhi LG Saxena said.
"This year, November 7 falls a day previously declared as a Restricted Holiday. I urge the government to declare November 7, 2024 (Thursday), as a full-day holiday and process the necessary file promptly," the letter added.
Chhath Puja is a major Hindu festival of Bihar where the 'God Sun' is worshipped. It is one of the significant festivals for the migrant population in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Hours later, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi declared a public holiday on November 7 for Chhath Puja celebrations. Making the announcement on X, Atishi wrote, "I am happy to inform you that the Delhi government has decided to declare a holiday on November 7 for the festival of Chhath, so that all our brothers and sisters of Purvanchal can celebrate the festival with pomp and show. She also shared her signed order regarding the decision."
Meanwhile, LG V K Saxena also approved relaxation in qualifications for recruitment of victims of the 1984 Sikh riots to the post of multi tasking staff (MTS).
"With the LG's approval, the minimum educational qualification for the post of MTS has been relaxed from Class X to Class VIII, making a larger number of candidates eligible for job," a statement from the Raj Niwas said.
According to the officials, this decision, pending for decades, will enable a larger pool of candidates to secure employment, by becoming eligible for the post.