Delhi School Holiday on November 25: Delhi govt announces public holiday for Shaheedi Diwas

Delhi School Holiday on November 25

The Government of Delhi has officially declared a public holiday on Tuesday, November 25, to mark the 350th Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru. The announcement elevates the day from a previously listed restricted holiday to a full public holiday across the national capital.

The holiday was formally announced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In her statement, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the Guru's enduring legacy, writing, “May Guru Sahib’s timeless message of courage, compassion, and freedom of faith continue to guide and inspire us in our collective journey ahead.”

This declaration means all Delhi government offices and educational institutions will remain closed to allow residents to observe and pay their respects on this significant day.

What's Closed and What's Open in Delhi on November 25?

To help the public plan their day, the Delhi government has clarified the status of various services and institutions. Here is a quick guide to what will be closed and what will remain operational:

Government Offices: All Delhi government offices, departments, and undertakings will remain closed on November 25.

Schools and Colleges: All government-run schools and a majority of private schools in Delhi are expected to observe the holiday and remain shut.

Banks: Contrary to the government holiday, banks in Delhi will remain open.

Significance of Shaheedi Diwas

Shaheedi Diwas is observed to honour the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who was executed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1675 in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is revered as "Hind Di Chadar" (the Shield of India) for his courageous stand against religious persecution. He laid down his life to protect the right to freedom of belief for the Kashmiri Pandits and other non-Muslims, establishing a profound legacy of interfaith justice and sacrifice.