📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Michael Gäbler
Religion
Tamil Nadu declares extra public holiday for Diwali 2026
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 06:48 PM
👁 18
The Tamil Nadu government has announced an additional public holiday on the occasion of Diwali 2026, adding to the existing festive calendar.
The state cabinet of Tamil Nadu approved an extra day off for the upcoming Diwali celebrations in 2026, expanding the official holiday schedule for the festival. The decision, issued as a government order, will apply to all state-run offices, schools and many private establishments that follow the state holiday list.
Officials said the additional holiday aims to give families more time to observe traditional rituals and to travel safely during the peak festive period. The move is expected to ease crowding on the main Diwali day and reduce pressure on transport networks.
Business associations have welcomed the announcement, noting that the extended break will allow workers to plan longer vacations without disrupting essential services. The government has urged employers to adjust payroll and attendance systems accordingly.
The holiday will be reflected in the official Tamil Nadu gazette and will be communicated to the public through standard channels ahead of the festival.
Officials said the additional holiday aims to give families more time to observe traditional rituals and to travel safely during the peak festive period. The move is expected to ease crowding on the main Diwali day and reduce pressure on transport networks.
Business associations have welcomed the announcement, noting that the extended break will allow workers to plan longer vacations without disrupting essential services. The government has urged employers to adjust payroll and attendance systems accordingly.
The holiday will be reflected in the official Tamil Nadu gazette and will be communicated to the public through standard channels ahead of the festival.