The Hindu Rashtra Shakti organization has formally requested the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to declare Chhath Puja, observed on October 28 this year, as a public holiday across the Union Territory.
In a letter submitted to the Lt. Governor, State President Rakeshwar Lall emphasized the cultural and religious significance of Chhath Puja, particularly among communities originating from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. He noted that the festival is celebrated with deep devotion and is an integral part of the spiritual heritage of millions of Indians.
The organization argued that recognizing Chhath Puja as a public holiday would not only honor the sentiments of a large section of the population residing in the islands but also promote inclusivity and respect for diverse cultural traditions.
While the current holiday list for the region does not include Chhath Puja as a gazetted or regional holiday, the appeal has sparked discussions among local residents and administrative circles. No official response has been issued by the Lt. Governor’s office as of yet.
