Himachal Pradesh declares public holiday for Bhai Dooj

The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a public holiday for Bhai Dooj on November 11, 2026. In a significant policy shift, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu decided to extend the holiday to all government employees, including men. Previously, holidays for festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Karwa Chauth, and Bhai Dooj were restricted to female employees only.

Following approval from the Governor, the General Administration Department issued an official notification. The holiday will apply to all government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities. However, the notification specifies that this holiday will not be classified as a bank holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.