The Gujarat government has officially declared a holiday for all government offices, including panchayats, boards, and corporations, on Friday, 1st November. In order to maintain work balance, the government has scheduled these offices to remain open and functional on Saturday, 9th November instead.
This adjustment was made by the General Administration Department of the Gujarat government to allow for a more extended period of holidays during the Diwali season. With this change, government employees will be able to enjoy a continuous holiday break, beginning from Thursday, 31st October, which marks the celebration of Diwali, one of the most significant festivals in India. The holiday will extend through Saturday, 2nd November, which is celebrated as Gujarati New Year, and continue to Sunday, 3rd November, which is the day of Bhai Bij, a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
This move is aimed at providing uninterrupted time off for the Diwali festivities, allowing government employees to celebrate the series of important cultural and religious days with their families and communities. To accommodate this extended break, the decision to work on Saturday, 9th November ensures that the necessary balance between public service duties and festive celebrations is maintained.
The announcement has been well-received by government employees, as it provides them with an extended opportunity to observe the Diwali season without disruption, while also ensuring that public services are not affected in the long term.
