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Kazakhstan 2025 Public Holidays Changes List Being Prepared Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has announced that it was currently working on the possible changes to the list of public holidays for 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "According to Article 85 of the Labor Code, in order to rationally use working time during holidays, as well as on weekends provided for in paragraph 5 of Article 84 of the Code, the authorized labor body has the right to transfer weekends to other working days. In this regard, the ministry is currently developing a draft order to transfer the days off to 2025, which will be posted on the ministry’s website and on the Internet portal of open regulatory legal acts for public discussion.". Usually, the Government of Kazakhstan announces the list of one-off bridge public holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in December for the following year, but recall that last year no such announcement was made in December 2023, and the draft decree On the postponement of the day of rest in 2024 (О переносе дня отдыха в 2024 году) was only posted on the eGov website of the Government of Kazakhstan on April 12 and officialized on April 18, 2024.
Kazakhstan 2025 Public Holidays Changes List Being Prepared Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has announced that it was currently working on the possible changes to the list of public holidays for 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "According to Article 85 of the Labor Code, in order to rationally use working time during holidays, as well as on weekends provided for in paragraph 5 of Article 84 of the Code, the authorized labor body has the right to transfer weekends to other working days. In this regard, the ministry is currently developing a draft order to transfer the days off to 2025, which will be posted on the ministry’s website and on the Internet portal of open regulatory legal acts for public discussion.". Usually, the Government of Kazakhstan announces the list of one-off bridge public holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in December for the following year, but recall that last year no such announcement was made in December 2023, and the draft decree On the postponement of the day of rest in 2024 (О переносе дня отдыха в 2024 году) was only posted on the eGov website of the Government of Kazakhstan on April 12 and officialized on April 18, 2024.
Philippines 2025 Public Holidays Amended Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Barely a day after declaring the list of 2025 public holidays in Proclamation No. 727, Philippines' President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation No. 729 declaring Sunday, July 27, 2025, as a public holiday (special non-working day) on account of the founding anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. The anniversary of the founding of the Iglesia Ni Cristo on July 27 is already an annual special working holiday as per Republic Act 9645, signed into law by then President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, on June 12, 2009. Later that same year, President Macapagal Arroyo, declared Monday, September 7, 2009, as a non-working public holiday throughout the country to coincide with the funeral of INC executive minister Erano Manalo. In March 2014, the Philippines House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 364, declaring July 27, 2014, as a special one-off non-working public holidays in the Philippines to commemorate the centennial of the INC. In June 2014, the Senate then passed a resolution in support of House Bill No. 364, and the Philippines Department of Justice, through its Justice Secretary, Leila de Lima, announced in early July 2014 that it saw no legal impediment to House Bill No. 364, leading then President, Benigno Aquino III, to declare July 27, 2014, as a one-off non-working public holiday in the Philippines in observance of the Iglesia ni Cristo centennial anniversary. To ensure that the one-off status of the July 27, 2014, public holiday was clear, an announcement in the Philippines Official Gazette of July 15, 2015, reminded the population that the INC's 101st anniversary, on July 27, 2015, was a working holiday, in accordance with Republic Act 9645.
Philippines 2025 Public Holidays Amended Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Barely a day after declaring the list of 2025 public holidays in Proclamation No. 727, Philippines' President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation No. 729 declaring Sunday, July 27, 2025, as a public holiday (special non-working day) on account of the founding anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. The anniversary of the founding of the Iglesia Ni Cristo on July 27 is already an annual special working holiday as per Republic Act 9645, signed into law by then President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, on June 12, 2009. Later that same year, President Macapagal Arroyo, declared Monday, September 7, 2009, as a non-working public holiday throughout the country to coincide with the funeral of INC executive minister Erano Manalo. In March 2014, the Philippines House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 364, declaring July 27, 2014, as a special one-off non-working public holidays in the Philippines to commemorate the centennial of the INC. In June 2014, the Senate then passed a resolution in support of House Bill No. 364, and the Philippines Department of Justice, through its Justice Secretary, Leila de Lima, announced in early July 2014 that it saw no legal impediment to House Bill No. 364, leading then President, Benigno Aquino III, to declare July 27, 2014, as a one-off non-working public holiday in the Philippines in observance of the Iglesia ni Cristo centennial anniversary. To ensure that the one-off status of the July 27, 2014, public holiday was clear, an announcement in the Philippines Official Gazette of July 15, 2015, reminded the population that the INC's 101st anniversary, on July 27, 2015, was a working holiday, in accordance with Republic Act 9645.
Rajasthan Extends Diwali Public Holiday Government of Rajasthan (Jaipur) The Udaipur District Collector of the General Administration (Group-6) Department of the Government of India's state of Rajasthan, Arvind Poswal, has followed-up on Tuesday's declaration by the Rajasthan Vidhansabha of an additional public holiday for its staff on Friday, November 1st, 2024, on account of Diwali, by declaring Friday, November 1st, 2024 as a public sector holiday for all government departments and schools. Today's declaration of a one-off public holiday on Friday, November 1st, 2024, thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Rajasthan as set out in last October's vide notification No.06(1)SA/PR/6/2022-2480.
Rajasthan Extends Diwali Public Holiday Government of Rajasthan (Jaipur) The Udaipur District Collector of the General Administration (Group-6) Department of the Government of India's state of Rajasthan, Arvind Poswal, has followed-up on Tuesday's declaration by the Rajasthan Vidhansabha of an additional public holiday for its staff on Friday, November 1st, 2024, on account of Diwali, by declaring Friday, November 1st, 2024 as a public sector holiday for all government departments and schools. Today's declaration of a one-off public holiday on Friday, November 1st, 2024, thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Rajasthan as set out in last October's vide notification No.06(1)SA/PR/6/2022-2480.
Costa Rican Legislative Commission Approves Movable Public Holidays Bill Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Tourism Commission of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly has approved the Bill 23.981 which would make permanent, beginning in 2025, the moving of 3 annual public holidays to the nearest Monday in cases when they fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Note that the initial version of Bill 23.981, introduced last month, envisaged moving 4 annual public holidays, "but for reasons of tradition and custom" the July 25, Nicoya Annexation Day, public holiday was removed from the scope of the final version of Bill 23.981. Additionally, Bill 23.981 only moves fixed-date public holidays falling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, while last month's initial text envisaged moving any fixed-date public holiday falling "on a date other than Monday or Friday" (meaning that weekend public holidays would have been compensated). Bill 23.981 now goes to the Plenary for discussion and approval, and might take effect in time for 2025. An earlier and similar Bill 24.274 was rejected by the Social Affairs Committee of Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly, earlier in July. Bill 24.274 would have amended the first paragraph of article 148 of the Labor Code by moving 5 annual public holidays (April 11, July 25, August 2, August 31, and December 1) from their fixed date to the subsequent Monday, as well as August 15 which would be moved to the Monday of the third week of August. The history of moveable public holidays in Costa Rica over the past 20 years is one of continuous ebb and flow. The creation of long weekend to promote tourism had been the crux of the Abel Pacheco's administration 2005 legislation, which specified that 4 public holidays would move from mid-week to the following Monday. But subsequent legislation was passed in 2007, 2009, and 2010 to remove all public holidays from the scope of the 2005 legislation, except for October 12. That last holiday was then replaced by a new annual public holiday on December 1st, to commemorate the Day of the Abolition of the Army. Thus, as 2019 ended, all of Costa Rica's public holidays had been made immovable again, as they had been before 2005. Then, in the summer of 2020, legislation was passed, making 5 of Costa Rica's public holidays movable until the end of 2024. And, once again, legislators chipped away at the 2020 expediente 21.941, adición de un transitorio al Artículo 148 de la Ley 2, Código de Trabajo, de 27 de agosto de 1943, para trasladar los feriados a los lunes, con el fin de promover la visita interna y el turismo durante los años 2020 al 2024, cancelling the October 12 public holiday and making the August 15 and then the July 25 public holidays fixed in late December and early January 2023-2024.
Costa Rican Legislative Commission Approves Movable Public Holidays Bill Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Tourism Commission of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly has approved the Bill 23.981 which would make permanent, beginning in 2025, the moving of 3 annual public holidays to the nearest Monday in cases when they fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Note that the initial version of Bill 23.981, introduced last month, envisaged moving 4 annual public holidays, "but for reasons of tradition and custom" the July 25, Nicoya Annexation Day, public holiday was removed from the scope of the final version of Bill 23.981. Additionally, Bill 23.981 only moves fixed-date public holidays falling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, while last month's initial text envisaged moving any fixed-date public holiday falling "on a date other than Monday or Friday" (meaning that weekend public holidays would have been compensated). Bill 23.981 now goes to the Plenary for discussion and approval, and might take effect in time for 2025. An earlier and similar Bill 24.274 was rejected by the Social Affairs Committee of Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly, earlier in July. Bill 24.274 would have amended the first paragraph of article 148 of the Labor Code by moving 5 annual public holidays (April 11, July 25, August 2, August 31, and December 1) from their fixed date to the subsequent Monday, as well as August 15 which would be moved to the Monday of the third week of August. The history of moveable public holidays in Costa Rica over the past 20 years is one of continuous ebb and flow. The creation of long weekend to promote tourism had been the crux of the Abel Pacheco's administration 2005 legislation, which specified that 4 public holidays would move from mid-week to the following Monday. But subsequent legislation was passed in 2007, 2009, and 2010 to remove all public holidays from the scope of the 2005 legislation, except for October 12. That last holiday was then replaced by a new annual public holiday on December 1st, to commemorate the Day of the Abolition of the Army. Thus, as 2019 ended, all of Costa Rica's public holidays had been made immovable again, as they had been before 2005. Then, in the summer of 2020, legislation was passed, making 5 of Costa Rica's public holidays movable until the end of 2024. And, once again, legislators chipped away at the 2020 expediente 21.941, adición de un transitorio al Artículo 148 de la Ley 2, Código de Trabajo, de 27 de agosto de 1943, para trasladar los feriados a los lunes, con el fin de promover la visita interna y el turismo durante los años 2020 al 2024, cancelling the October 12 public holiday and making the August 15 and then the July 25 public holidays fixed in late December and early January 2023-2024.
Kenyan President To Consider Diwali Public Holiday Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (Nairobi) Kenya's President William Ruto has announced that the government will consider the request of the Hindu Community to make Diwali a national holiday ("If it has to happen it has to go all the way to parliament, and I want to assure you that we will have made a decision by the next Diwali"). Subsequently, National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, said that he would make sure the agenda is passed as quickly as possible when he receives it. Note that the declaration of Diwali as a public holiday is always complicated by the fact that there are different rules for the calculation of its date in northern and southern India, and due to the way these rules are constructed, northern and southern Diwali will differ by a day in about 40 percent of cases.
Kenyan President To Consider Diwali Public Holiday Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (Nairobi) Kenya's President William Ruto has announced that the government will consider the request of the Hindu Community to make Diwali a national holiday ("If it has to happen it has to go all the way to parliament, and I want to assure you that we will have made a decision by the next Diwali"). Subsequently, National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula, said that he would make sure the agenda is passed as quickly as possible when he receives it. Note that the declaration of Diwali as a public holiday is always complicated by the fact that there are different rules for the calculation of its date in northern and southern India, and due to the way these rules are constructed, northern and southern Diwali will differ by a day in about 40 percent of cases.
Balochistan Declares Extended Diwali Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Government of Pakistan's Province of Balochistan has declared extended Diwali public holidays, from October 31 to November 2, 2024, for Hindu government employees, on account of the upcoming Diwali festival.
Balochistan Declares Extended Diwali Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Government of Pakistan's Province of Balochistan has declared extended Diwali public holidays, from October 31 to November 2, 2024, for Hindu government employees, on account of the upcoming Diwali festival.
Philippines 2025 Public Holidays Announced Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines' President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has signed Proclamation No. 727, released by Malacañang Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, which lists the annual special and regular non-working public holidays in the Philippines for the upcoming calendar year 2025. As was the case in last year's Proclamation 368, today's Proclamation 727 includes the motivation for some of the holidays declared for 2025, namely Chinese New Year ("on 29 January 2025, Chinese nationals all over the world will celebrate Spring Festival, popularly known as the Chinese New Year, which is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines, and such date may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest"), Black Saturday ("Black Saturday, which falls on 19 April 2025, has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country, the observance of Holy Week being one of the most cherished traditions of our predominantly Catholic people"), as well as for the 2 additional eve public holidays declared for 2025 ("declaring 31 October 2025 (Friday) and 24 December 2025 (Wednesday), as additional special (non-working) days throughout the country will strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and Christmas Day activities, as well as promote domestic tourism"). However, the EDSA public holiday, once again, falls victim to the decades-long feud between the Aquino and Marcos political dynasties, and is declared a working day in 2025 ("on 25 February 2025 (Tuesday), the country will commemorate the 39th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution which ushered political, social, and economic reforms in the country, thus, may be declared as a special working day").
Philippines 2025 Public Holidays Announced Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines' President, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has signed Proclamation No. 727, released by Malacañang Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, which lists the annual special and regular non-working public holidays in the Philippines for the upcoming calendar year 2025. As was the case in last year's Proclamation 368, today's Proclamation 727 includes the motivation for some of the holidays declared for 2025, namely Chinese New Year ("on 29 January 2025, Chinese nationals all over the world will celebrate Spring Festival, popularly known as the Chinese New Year, which is one of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines, and such date may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest"), Black Saturday ("Black Saturday, which falls on 19 April 2025, has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country, the observance of Holy Week being one of the most cherished traditions of our predominantly Catholic people"), as well as for the 2 additional eve public holidays declared for 2025 ("declaring 31 October 2025 (Friday) and 24 December 2025 (Wednesday), as additional special (non-working) days throughout the country will strengthen family ties by providing more time for the traditional All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and Christmas Day activities, as well as promote domestic tourism"). However, the EDSA public holiday, once again, falls victim to the decades-long feud between the Aquino and Marcos political dynasties, and is declared a working day in 2025 ("on 25 February 2025 (Tuesday), the country will commemorate the 39th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution which ushered political, social, and economic reforms in the country, thus, may be declared as a special working day").
Punjab Public Holidays October 31-November 3 Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of the Indian State of Punjab has confirmed that tomorrow's public holiday for Diwali would be followed on November 1st by Lord Vishavkarma Day, another public holiday, and then by the November 2-3 weekend. The aforementioned announcement is in line with last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024.
Punjab Public Holidays October 31-November 3 Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of the Indian State of Punjab has confirmed that tomorrow's public holiday for Diwali would be followed on November 1st by Lord Vishavkarma Day, another public holiday, and then by the November 2-3 weekend. The aforementioned announcement is in line with last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024.
Samoa Declares November 1-4 Public Holidays Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, has announced that to express gratitude for the successful hosting of the 2024 CHOGM summit, he had declared Friday, November 1, and Monday, November 4, 2024, as one-off public sector holidays in Samoa.
Samoa Declares November 1-4 Public Holidays Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, has announced that to express gratitude for the successful hosting of the 2024 CHOGM summit, he had declared Friday, November 1, and Monday, November 4, 2024, as one-off public sector holidays in Samoa.
Uttar Pradesh Declares November 1st Public Holiday Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The Additional Chief Secretary of the Yogi Adityanath Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, Jitendra Kumar, has announced that the government of Uttar Pradesh had declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a one-off public sector holiday. In compensation, Saturday, November 9, 2024, the second Saturday of November, will be a regular working day. Today's announcement thus amends the list of 2024 state public holidays contained in the Uttar Pradesh Government Order vide Notification Section No.528/3-2023-39(2)/2016 of last December. Note that, less than a week ago, the Chief Secretary of the Yogi Adityanath Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, Deepak Kumar, had confirmed the dates of the upcoming public holidays as October 31 for Diwali, November 2 for Govardhan Puja and November 3 for Bhai Dooj, leaving November 1st as a working day.
Uttar Pradesh Declares November 1st Public Holiday Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The Additional Chief Secretary of the Yogi Adityanath Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, Jitendra Kumar, has announced that the government of Uttar Pradesh had declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a one-off public sector holiday. In compensation, Saturday, November 9, 2024, the second Saturday of November, will be a regular working day. Today's announcement thus amends the list of 2024 state public holidays contained in the Uttar Pradesh Government Order vide Notification Section No.528/3-2023-39(2)/2016 of last December. Note that, less than a week ago, the Chief Secretary of the Yogi Adityanath Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, Deepak Kumar, had confirmed the dates of the upcoming public holidays as October 31 for Diwali, November 2 for Govardhan Puja and November 3 for Bhai Dooj, leaving November 1st as a working day.
Uttarakhand Extends Diwali Public Holiday Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The Secretary to the General Administration Department of India's State Uttarakhand, Deependra Kumar Chaudhary, has issued a vide notification declaring Friday, November 1, 2024, as an additional one-off public holiday in Uttarakhand. Recall that, yesterday, the General Administration Department of India's State Uttarakhand had issued a vide notification moving the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday from Friday, November 1, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024. The aforementioned changes of the past 2 days thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No. 1881/xxxi(15)G/23-74/2016 of last December.
Uttarakhand Extends Diwali Public Holiday Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The Secretary to the General Administration Department of India's State Uttarakhand, Deependra Kumar Chaudhary, has issued a vide notification declaring Friday, November 1, 2024, as an additional one-off public holiday in Uttarakhand. Recall that, yesterday, the General Administration Department of India's State Uttarakhand had issued a vide notification moving the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday from Friday, November 1, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024. The aforementioned changes of the past 2 days thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No. 1881/xxxi(15)G/23-74/2016 of last December.
Venezuela Bank Holiday November 4 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, November 4, 2024, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de todos los Santos, a date only observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2024 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last December by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Venezuela Bank Holiday November 4 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, November 4, 2024, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de todos los Santos, a date only observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2024 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last December by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Algeria Declares November 1st Public Holiday Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Direction générale de la Fonction publique et de la Réforme administrative et du ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Sécurité sociale has announced that Friday, November 1, 2024, would be a paid public holiday in Algeria for the 70e anniversaire du déclenchement de la Guerre de libération nationale. As per the aforementioned announcement, "A l'occasion de la fête de la Révolution et conformément à la loi 63-278 du 26 juillet 1963 modifiée et complétée, fixant la liste des fêtes légales, la journée du vendredi 1er novembre 2024 est chômée et payée pour l'ensemble des personnels des institutions et administrations publiques, des établissements et offices publics et privés, ainsi qu'aux personnels des entreprises publiques et privées, tous secteurs et statuts juridiques confondus, y compris les personnels payés à l'heure ou à la journée". Recall that Algerian weekends have been observed on Friday/Saturday, as per the "décret n°09-244 du 22 Juillet 2009, modifiant le décret exécutif n°97-59 du 03 Mars 1997", which took effect on August 14, 2009, changing weekends in Algeria from Thursday/Friday to the mixed or semi-universal Friday/Saturday.
Algeria Declares November 1st Public Holiday Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Direction générale de la Fonction publique et de la Réforme administrative et du ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Sécurité sociale has announced that Friday, November 1, 2024, would be a paid public holiday in Algeria for the 70e anniversaire du déclenchement de la Guerre de libération nationale. As per the aforementioned announcement, "A l'occasion de la fête de la Révolution et conformément à la loi 63-278 du 26 juillet 1963 modifiée et complétée, fixant la liste des fêtes légales, la journée du vendredi 1er novembre 2024 est chômée et payée pour l'ensemble des personnels des institutions et administrations publiques, des établissements et offices publics et privés, ainsi qu'aux personnels des entreprises publiques et privées, tous secteurs et statuts juridiques confondus, y compris les personnels payés à l'heure ou à la journée". Recall that Algerian weekends have been observed on Friday/Saturday, as per the "décret n°09-244 du 22 Juillet 2009, modifiant le décret exécutif n°97-59 du 03 Mars 1997", which took effect on August 14, 2009, changing weekends in Algeria from Thursday/Friday to the mixed or semi-universal Friday/Saturday.
France Once Again Considering Cancelling Another Public Holiday LCI (Paris) France's budget minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, has confirmed in the National Assembly, that the government was considering the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday ("Cela fait partie des débats qu’on aura au Parlement"). In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it.
France Once Again Considering Cancelling Another Public Holiday LCI (Paris) France's budget minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, has confirmed in the National Assembly, that the government was considering the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday ("Cela fait partie des débats qu’on aura au Parlement"). In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it.
Poland Church And President Support New Christmas Eve Public Holiday Polskie Radio (Warsaw) Poland’s conservative president, Andrzej Sebastian Duda, and the Catholic church have voiced their support for a proposal by The Left (Lewica) to make Christmas Eve a new annual public holiday in Poland. The aforementioned bill, already submitted to the Sejm, would also stipulate that trading would only be possible until 14:00 on Easter Saturday. The last permanent change to the list of Poland's public holidays was in 2010 when the Polish Parliament approved a draft amendment to the Labour Law and Bill on Holidays, which re-established Epiphany as an official non-working public holiday, beginning in 2011. Until then, Epiphany had been the only religious public holiday not restored since Poland regained its independence in 1991.
Poland Church And President Support New Christmas Eve Public Holiday Polskie Radio (Warsaw) Poland’s conservative president, Andrzej Sebastian Duda, and the Catholic church have voiced their support for a proposal by The Left (Lewica) to make Christmas Eve a new annual public holiday in Poland. The aforementioned bill, already submitted to the Sejm, would also stipulate that trading would only be possible until 14:00 on Easter Saturday. The last permanent change to the list of Poland's public holidays was in 2010 when the Polish Parliament approved a draft amendment to the Labour Law and Bill on Holidays, which re-established Epiphany as an official non-working public holiday, beginning in 2011. Until then, Epiphany had been the only religious public holiday not restored since Poland regained its independence in 1991.
Ukraine Extends Public Holidays Cancellation Until February 2025 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a law approving the presidential decree No.12151 (On the extension of martial law in Ukraine) to extend martial law in Ukraine for another 90 days from November 10, 2024, until February 7, 2025, as per the Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law. As per Law № 2136-IX, during martial law, weekday public holidays in Ukraine are de facto canceled (made into working days).
Ukraine Extends Public Holidays Cancellation Until February 2025 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a law approving the presidential decree No.12151 (On the extension of martial law in Ukraine) to extend martial law in Ukraine for another 90 days from November 10, 2024, until February 7, 2025, as per the Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law. As per Law № 2136-IX, during martial law, weekday public holidays in Ukraine are de facto canceled (made into working days).
Uttarakhand Moves Diwali Public Holiday Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The General Administration Department of India's State Uttarakhand has issued a vide notification which moves the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday from Friday, November 1, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024. The aforementioned change was made following the representation of astrologers of Panchpuri Haridwar who asserted that Pradosh Kaal, Nishith Kaal, Maha Nishith Kaal and Swati Nakshatra would only be available on the night of 31st October for Diwali puja. The aforementioned moving of the upcoming Diwali public holiday thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No. 1881/xxxi(15)G/23-74/2016 of last December.
Uttarakhand Moves Diwali Public Holiday Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The General Administration Department of India's State Uttarakhand has issued a vide notification which moves the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday from Friday, November 1, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024. The aforementioned change was made following the representation of astrologers of Panchpuri Haridwar who asserted that Pradosh Kaal, Nishith Kaal, Maha Nishith Kaal and Swati Nakshatra would only be available on the night of 31st October for Diwali puja. The aforementioned moving of the upcoming Diwali public holiday thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No. 1881/xxxi(15)G/23-74/2016 of last December.
Zimbabwe ZANU PF Calls For July 1st Nkomo Public Holiday The Herald (Harare) As part of the recent 21st National People’s Conference of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), resolution number 9 of 162 states that "1st July of each year be declared a Public Holiday in honour of the late Hon. Vice President, Cde. Dr. Joshua Nyongolo Mqabuko Nkomo". The last time a new annual public holiday was added to the list of Zimbabwe's public holidays was in 2017, when Zimbabwe's then Home Affairs Minister, Ignatius Chombo, announced that the government of Zimbabwe had amended the list of public holidays by declaring February 21 as Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, a new annual public holiday in honour of Robert Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe since 1980, and who was born on February 21, 1924. Eventually February 21 was gazetted as National Youth Day, as per the terms of the Statutory Instrument Number 143 of 2017 (gazetted on November 24, 2017) in terms of the Zimbabwe Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.
Zimbabwe ZANU PF Calls For July 1st Nkomo Public Holiday The Herald (Harare) As part of the recent 21st National People’s Conference of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), resolution number 9 of 162 states that "1st July of each year be declared a Public Holiday in honour of the late Hon. Vice President, Cde. Dr. Joshua Nyongolo Mqabuko Nkomo". The last time a new annual public holiday was added to the list of Zimbabwe's public holidays was in 2017, when Zimbabwe's then Home Affairs Minister, Ignatius Chombo, announced that the government of Zimbabwe had amended the list of public holidays by declaring February 21 as Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, a new annual public holiday in honour of Robert Mugabe, who had ruled Zimbabwe since 1980, and who was born on February 21, 1924. Eventually February 21 was gazetted as National Youth Day, as per the terms of the Statutory Instrument Number 143 of 2017 (gazetted on November 24, 2017) in terms of the Zimbabwe Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.
Assam Declares November 1st Kamrup Public Holiday For Diwali Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Governor of India's state of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, has declared Friday, November 1st, 2024, as a public holiday in the Kamrup (Metro) district in observance of Diwali. As per the aforementioned government order, all state government offices, financial institutions, and educational institutions within the district, will remain closed on Diwali under Section 25 of N.I. Act, 1881 (XXIV of 1881) read with the Ministry of Home Affairs Notification, Government of India. The aforementioned announcement is outside of the scope of last November's Government vide notification No.221561/11 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Assam for the calendar year 2024.
Assam Declares November 1st Kamrup Public Holiday For Diwali Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Governor of India's state of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, has declared Friday, November 1st, 2024, as a public holiday in the Kamrup (Metro) district in observance of Diwali. As per the aforementioned government order, all state government offices, financial institutions, and educational institutions within the district, will remain closed on Diwali under Section 25 of N.I. Act, 1881 (XXIV of 1881) read with the Ministry of Home Affairs Notification, Government of India. The aforementioned announcement is outside of the scope of last November's Government vide notification No.221561/11 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Assam for the calendar year 2024.
Benin Declares November 1st Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.024 /MTFP /DC /SGM /DGT /SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Friday, November 1st, 2024, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the upcoming All Saints'Day public holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique rappelle que conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du vendredi 1er novembre 2024, Jour de la Toussaint, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.".
Benin Declares November 1st Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.024 /MTFP /DC /SGM /DGT /SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Friday, November 1st, 2024, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the upcoming All Saints'Day public holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique rappelle que conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du vendredi 1er novembre 2024, Jour de la Toussaint, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.".
Jammu and Kashmir Declares October 30 Public Holiday Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has declared Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a public holiday in the Province of Kashmir on account of the upcoming Urs of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Sahib. As per the aforementioned Vide Notification No.l833-JK(GAD) of 2024, "In continuation of Government Order No. 1582-JK(GAD) of 2023 dated 11.12.2023, it is hereby ordered that Provincial holiday, on account of Urs of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Sahib (Kashmir Province only) shall now be observed on 30.10.2024 (Wednesday)". The aforementioned declaration of a provincial public holiday on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays initially released in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Government Order No. 1582-JK(GAD) of 2023, last December, and in which the date of the Urs of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Sahib was September 30. Recall that, on October 31, 2019, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was split into 2, as the new Union Territory of Ladakh was carved out of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in a manner similar to the creation of Telangana as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014, having itself been carved-out the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Jammu and Kashmir Declares October 30 Public Holiday Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has declared Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a public holiday in the Province of Kashmir on account of the upcoming Urs of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Sahib. As per the aforementioned Vide Notification No.l833-JK(GAD) of 2024, "In continuation of Government Order No. 1582-JK(GAD) of 2023 dated 11.12.2023, it is hereby ordered that Provincial holiday, on account of Urs of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Sahib (Kashmir Province only) shall now be observed on 30.10.2024 (Wednesday)". The aforementioned declaration of a provincial public holiday on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays initially released in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Government Order No. 1582-JK(GAD) of 2023, last December, and in which the date of the Urs of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Sahib was September 30. Recall that, on October 31, 2019, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was split into 2, as the new Union Territory of Ladakh was carved out of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in a manner similar to the creation of Telangana as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014, having itself been carved-out the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Kyrgyzstan Hearings On Changes To Public Holidays In Labor Code Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) Earlier today, the Deputy Minister of Defense of Kyrgyzstan, Erlis Terdikbayev, has called for the reinstatement of the non-working status of February 23 at a parliamentary hearing on public holidays changes in the draft new Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. Deputy Minister Terdikbayev had asked "to leave February 23 as a holiday non-working day" but Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration, Muhtarbek Baimurzayev, responded that February 23 will remain as holiday, but it will be a working day. Recall that, last April, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan had announced changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code, namely, the abolition of the practice of declaring bridge public holiday compensated by working Saturdays, an annual 7-day period of public holidays in January and an 8-day period of public holidays in May, and the cancellation of 4 annual public holidays dates (whose status changes to holidays but working days). The 4 public holidays to be demoted to working days are: February 23 (Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland), April 7 (Day of the People's April Revolution), and November 7-8 (Day of History and Memory of Ancestors). These draft changes were confirmed in June by the First Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Jyparisa Rysbekova, who announced the approval to the changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan in the new Labor Code ("Kyrgyzstan will have 21 holidays in a year"). This is not the first time that MPs try to tweak or amend the changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code. Last May, the MP Dastanbek Jumabekov questioned the Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration, Baatyrova Gulnara Marishovna, about the new working day status of the April 7 public holiday established in 2016 with the passage of a bill declaring a new annual, April 7, public holiday officially known as the Day of the People's April Revolution, as gazetted in the official state newspaper of Kyrgyzstan Erkin Too (Free Mountains).
Kyrgyzstan Hearings On Changes To Public Holidays In Labor Code Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) Earlier today, the Deputy Minister of Defense of Kyrgyzstan, Erlis Terdikbayev, has called for the reinstatement of the non-working status of February 23 at a parliamentary hearing on public holidays changes in the draft new Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. Deputy Minister Terdikbayev had asked "to leave February 23 as a holiday non-working day" but Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration, Muhtarbek Baimurzayev, responded that February 23 will remain as holiday, but it will be a working day. Recall that, last April, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan had announced changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code, namely, the abolition of the practice of declaring bridge public holiday compensated by working Saturdays, an annual 7-day period of public holidays in January and an 8-day period of public holidays in May, and the cancellation of 4 annual public holidays dates (whose status changes to holidays but working days). The 4 public holidays to be demoted to working days are: February 23 (Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland), April 7 (Day of the People's April Revolution), and November 7-8 (Day of History and Memory of Ancestors). These draft changes were confirmed in June by the First Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Jyparisa Rysbekova, who announced the approval to the changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan in the new Labor Code ("Kyrgyzstan will have 21 holidays in a year"). This is not the first time that MPs try to tweak or amend the changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code. Last May, the MP Dastanbek Jumabekov questioned the Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration, Baatyrova Gulnara Marishovna, about the new working day status of the April 7 public holiday established in 2016 with the passage of a bill declaring a new annual, April 7, public holiday officially known as the Day of the People's April Revolution, as gazetted in the official state newspaper of Kyrgyzstan Erkin Too (Free Mountains).
Malaysian Financial Market Holiday October 31 Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) Bursa Malaysia has announced that Malaysia's financial markets would be closed on Thursday, October 31, 2024, "in conjunction with the Deepavali public holiday", but that they would re-open on Friday, November 1, 2024. Note that the Deepavali public holiday is observed as a state public holiday in every Malaysian State and Federal Territory, except for Sarawak.
Malaysian Financial Market Holiday October 31 Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) Bursa Malaysia has announced that Malaysia's financial markets would be closed on Thursday, October 31, 2024, "in conjunction with the Deepavali public holiday", but that they would re-open on Friday, November 1, 2024. Note that the Deepavali public holiday is observed as a state public holiday in every Malaysian State and Federal Territory, except for Sarawak.
Sindh Declares November 1st Public Holiday For Diwali Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a provincial public holiday "for the Hindu community to celebrate Diwali in the province". As per the aforementioned notification, "the holiday will apply to government, semi-government institutions, and authorized authorities".
Sindh Declares November 1st Public Holiday For Diwali Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a provincial public holiday "for the Hindu community to celebrate Diwali in the province". As per the aforementioned notification, "the holiday will apply to government, semi-government institutions, and authorized authorities".
Puducherry Extends Deepavali Public Holiday Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Chief Minister of the Government of of India's Union Territory of Puducherry, N Rangasamy, has issued the vide notification G.O Ms. No.85 declaring Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the day before the upcoming Deepavali public holiday as an additional one-off public holiday "for all government offices including all Public Sector Undertakings, Educational Institutions including professional colleges in Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry". With the annual Puducherry Liberation Day public holiday on Friday, November 1, 2024, and the subsequent weekend, this means a string of 5 days off, although the aforementioned notification goes on to state that "November 16 (Saturday) will be a compensatory working day in lieu of the above leave". In any event, today's vide notification further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Puducherry as announced, last November, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 59 published in the Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry, and which also only listed Deepavali, on October 31, as a public holiday in the Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry (not in Mahe). Recall that, last year, the Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry had similarly declared Monday, November 13, 2023, as holiday for all government offices, educational institutions, including professional colleges in all regions of Union Territory of Puducherry on account of Diwali, to be compensated on November 18, 2023.
Puducherry Extends Deepavali Public Holiday Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Chief Minister of the Government of of India's Union Territory of Puducherry, N Rangasamy, has issued the vide notification G.O Ms. No.85 declaring Wednesday, October 30, 2024, the day before the upcoming Deepavali public holiday as an additional one-off public holiday "for all government offices including all Public Sector Undertakings, Educational Institutions including professional colleges in Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry". With the annual Puducherry Liberation Day public holiday on Friday, November 1, 2024, and the subsequent weekend, this means a string of 5 days off, although the aforementioned notification goes on to state that "November 16 (Saturday) will be a compensatory working day in lieu of the above leave". In any event, today's vide notification further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Puducherry as announced, last November, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 59 published in the Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry, and which also only listed Deepavali, on October 31, as a public holiday in the Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry (not in Mahe). Recall that, last year, the Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry had similarly declared Monday, November 13, 2023, as holiday for all government offices, educational institutions, including professional colleges in all regions of Union Territory of Puducherry on account of Diwali, to be compensated on November 18, 2023.
Bhutanese Thimphu 2025 Public Holidays Announced Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration (Thimphu) The Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration of Bhutan's capital has released the dates for 2025 of the 2 public holidays observed in Thimphu; Thimphu Dromchoe (September 28, 2025) and Thimphu Tshechu (October 2-4, 2025). The list of the remaining 2025 (year of the female wooden snake) national public holidays in Bhutan can be expected to be announced by the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in the later part of November.
Bhutanese Thimphu 2025 Public Holidays Announced Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration (Thimphu) The Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration of Bhutan's capital has released the dates for 2025 of the 2 public holidays observed in Thimphu; Thimphu Dromchoe (September 28, 2025) and Thimphu Tshechu (October 2-4, 2025). The list of the remaining 2025 (year of the female wooden snake) national public holidays in Bhutan can be expected to be announced by the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs in the later part of November.
Guernsey 2025 Public Holidays Announced States of Guernsey (St. Peter Port) The States of Guernsey (the Guernsey Government) has published its official list of annual non-working public holidays in Guernsey, for the calendar year 2025. As usual, Alderney will announce its own Summer Bank Holiday and Homecoming Day, separately.
Guernsey 2025 Public Holidays Announced States of Guernsey (St. Peter Port) The States of Guernsey (the Guernsey Government) has published its official list of annual non-working public holidays in Guernsey, for the calendar year 2025. As usual, Alderney will announce its own Summer Bank Holiday and Homecoming Day, separately.
Albanian 2025 Public Holidays Announced Bank of Albania (Tirana) The government of Albania, via its central bank, the Bank of Albania, has announced its annual list of the official Albanian bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Albania for the calendar year 2025 (Kalendari i festave zyrtare për vitin 2025). The new, November 22, Alphabet Day, public holiday promised by Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, at the November 2023 Diaspora Summit in Tirana, has made it to the list of annual public holidays in Albania, after being added in mid-January of this year.
Albanian 2025 Public Holidays Announced Bank of Albania (Tirana) The government of Albania, via its central bank, the Bank of Albania, has announced its annual list of the official Albanian bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Albania for the calendar year 2025 (Kalendari i festave zyrtare për vitin 2025). The new, November 22, Alphabet Day, public holiday promised by Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, at the November 2023 Diaspora Summit in Tirana, has made it to the list of annual public holidays in Albania, after being added in mid-January of this year.
Assam Confirms Pitri Matri Vandana Public Holidays Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Government of India's state of Assam has confirmed the declaration of 2 public sector holidays for Pitri Matri Vandana on November 6 and 8, 2024, for state government employees "to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law.". These 2 public holidays can be combined with the Thursday, November 7, 2024, Chhat Puja public holiday, as well as the second Saturday of the month public sector holiday on Saturday, November 9, and the weekly day off on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Recall that, last July, the Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, had posted on the social media platform X that "The Assam Government, under the leadership of HCM Dr. Himanta Biswa, has declared special casual leave for State Government employees on November 6 and 8, 2024, to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law." adding in that post, somewhat disconcertingly, that "This leave must be used solely for spending time with aging parents or parents-in-law to honor, respect, and care for them, and not for personal enjoyment.". These 2 public sector holidays thus further amend the terms of last November's Government vide notification No.221561/11 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Assam for the calendar year 2024.
Assam Confirms Pitri Matri Vandana Public Holidays Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Government of India's state of Assam has confirmed the declaration of 2 public sector holidays for Pitri Matri Vandana on November 6 and 8, 2024, for state government employees "to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law.". These 2 public holidays can be combined with the Thursday, November 7, 2024, Chhat Puja public holiday, as well as the second Saturday of the month public sector holiday on Saturday, November 9, and the weekly day off on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Recall that, last July, the Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, had posted on the social media platform X that "The Assam Government, under the leadership of HCM Dr. Himanta Biswa, has declared special casual leave for State Government employees on November 6 and 8, 2024, to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law." adding in that post, somewhat disconcertingly, that "This leave must be used solely for spending time with aging parents or parents-in-law to honor, respect, and care for them, and not for personal enjoyment.". These 2 public sector holidays thus further amend the terms of last November's Government vide notification No.221561/11 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Assam for the calendar year 2024.
Ceuta 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletín Oficial de la Ciudad de Ceuta (BOCCE) The list of 2025 non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) in the Ciudad Autónoma de Ceuta, has been officially gazetted in the Resolución de 18 de octubre de 2024, de la Ciudad Autónoma de Ceuta, por la que se aprueba el Calendario Laboral de Fiestas Laborables para el año 2025." (BOCCE de 25 de octubre de 2024) signed by Alberto Ramon Gaitán Rodríguez, Ceuta's Consejero de Presidencia y Gobernacion. In 2025, as it has done since 2022, Ceuta will observe 2 Muslim public holidays; the end of Ramadan on March 31 (Fiesta de Culminación del Ramadán) and the Feast of Sacrifice on June 6 (Fiesta del Sacrificio). To accommodate these 2 public holidays, the Ceuta Community Day will once again not be a public holiday in 2025 in Ceuta. In neighboring Melilla, the Feast of the Sacrifice has been a regional public holiday since 2017, when the feast of Saint Joseph was replaced by Feast of the Sacrifice as a regional public holiday.
Ceuta 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletín Oficial de la Ciudad de Ceuta (BOCCE) The list of 2025 non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) in the Ciudad Autónoma de Ceuta, has been officially gazetted in the Resolución de 18 de octubre de 2024, de la Ciudad Autónoma de Ceuta, por la que se aprueba el Calendario Laboral de Fiestas Laborables para el año 2025." (BOCCE de 25 de octubre de 2024) signed by Alberto Ramon Gaitán Rodríguez, Ceuta's Consejero de Presidencia y Gobernacion. In 2025, as it has done since 2022, Ceuta will observe 2 Muslim public holidays; the end of Ramadan on March 31 (Fiesta de Culminación del Ramadán) and the Feast of Sacrifice on June 6 (Fiesta del Sacrificio). To accommodate these 2 public holidays, the Ceuta Community Day will once again not be a public holiday in 2025 in Ceuta. In neighboring Melilla, the Feast of the Sacrifice has been a regional public holiday since 2017, when the feast of Saint Joseph was replaced by Feast of the Sacrifice as a regional public holiday.
Ecuador Extends November Public Holidays To October 31 Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No.438 extending the upcoming All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays to Thursday, October 31, 2024, with the objective of "strengthening economic activity". As per Article 1 of the aforementioned decree, "To suspend, for this one time only, the work day throughout the national territory, for the public and private sectors, on Thursday, October 31, 2024". In compensation, article 2 specifies that "For the public sector, the recovery of the work day suspended in Article 1 of this instrument shall be duly decreed. The private sector, if it deems it appropriate, may avail itself of the recovery provision, in accordance with current regulations.". Combining October 31 with the upcoming All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays, means that Ecuadorean will be on public holidays from October 31 until November 4, 2024, inclusively.
Ecuador Extends November Public Holidays To October 31 Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No.438 extending the upcoming All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays to Thursday, October 31, 2024, with the objective of "strengthening economic activity". As per Article 1 of the aforementioned decree, "To suspend, for this one time only, the work day throughout the national territory, for the public and private sectors, on Thursday, October 31, 2024". In compensation, article 2 specifies that "For the public sector, the recovery of the work day suspended in Article 1 of this instrument shall be duly decreed. The private sector, if it deems it appropriate, may avail itself of the recovery provision, in accordance with current regulations.". Combining October 31 with the upcoming All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays, means that Ecuadorean will be on public holidays from October 31 until November 4, 2024, inclusively.
Indonesian MPs Call For November 27 Electoral Public Holiday Extension To 3 Days Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) Members of the Indonesian House of Representatives have proposed a three-day holiday during the upcoming 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada). Currently, only the date of the aforementioned elections, Wednesday, November 27, 2025, have been declared as public holidays.
Indonesian MPs Call For November 27 Electoral Public Holiday Extension To 3 Days Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) Members of the Indonesian House of Representatives have proposed a three-day holiday during the upcoming 2024 regional head elections (Pilkada). Currently, only the date of the aforementioned elections, Wednesday, November 27, 2025, have been declared as public holidays.
Madhya Pradesh Extends Upcoming Diwali Public Holiday Government of Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's State of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, has declared a second day off public holiday on account of the upcoming Diwali public holiday for banks and government offices. As per the aforementioned announcement, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, as initially scheduled, and exceptionally Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 1, 2024. Today's announcement thus amend the terms of the Government vide Notification Sl.F.3-8-2023-A-4 of last December which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Madhya Pradesh for the calendar year 2024.
Madhya Pradesh Extends Upcoming Diwali Public Holiday Government of Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's State of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, has declared a second day off public holiday on account of the upcoming Diwali public holiday for banks and government offices. As per the aforementioned announcement, Diwali will be celebrated on October 31, as initially scheduled, and exceptionally Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 1, 2024. Today's announcement thus amend the terms of the Government vide Notification Sl.F.3-8-2023-A-4 of last December which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Madhya Pradesh for the calendar year 2024.
Estonian Day In Lieu Public Holidays Bill First Reading Postponed Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) The first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act (453 SE), to amend the list of annual Estonian public holidays by instituting the system of days in lieu whenever a public holiday falls on a weekend, including Easter Sunday, was the only item on the agenda at today’s sitting of the Riigikogu (Estonia's Parliament), but this was postponed due to the absence of the bill's presenter. Recall that, early last June, a faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party had introduced the Pühade ja tähtpäevade seaduse muutmise seadus 453 SE (Act to amend the Holidays and Public Holidays Act 453 SE) which, in its introduction stated as it aim that "This bill supplements the Holidays and Public Holidays Act with a provision that makes the 2nd day of Easter a public holiday and a day of rest and gives an additional day of rest if a national holiday or public holiday falls on a weekend. A simple majority of the Riigikogu is necessary for the adoption of the law.". In the lead-up to the March 5, 2023, general elections in Estonia, all major political parties, apart from the Reform Party, were in favor of a draft bill amending the Estonian public holidays legislation so that fixed-date public holidays that fall on a weekend give rise to a day in lieu public holiday on the next workday. The bill being considered at that time had been tabled by the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDE), with some support from the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) and the Center Party.
Estonian Day In Lieu Public Holidays Bill First Reading Postponed Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) The first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Public Holidays and Days of National Importance Act (453 SE), to amend the list of annual Estonian public holidays by instituting the system of days in lieu whenever a public holiday falls on a weekend, including Easter Sunday, was the only item on the agenda at today’s sitting of the Riigikogu (Estonia's Parliament), but this was postponed due to the absence of the bill's presenter. Recall that, early last June, a faction of the Estonian Conservative People's Party had introduced the Pühade ja tähtpäevade seaduse muutmise seadus 453 SE (Act to amend the Holidays and Public Holidays Act 453 SE) which, in its introduction stated as it aim that "This bill supplements the Holidays and Public Holidays Act with a provision that makes the 2nd day of Easter a public holiday and a day of rest and gives an additional day of rest if a national holiday or public holiday falls on a weekend. A simple majority of the Riigikogu is necessary for the adoption of the law.". In the lead-up to the March 5, 2023, general elections in Estonia, all major political parties, apart from the Reform Party, were in favor of a draft bill amending the Estonian public holidays legislation so that fixed-date public holidays that fall on a weekend give rise to a day in lieu public holiday on the next workday. The bill being considered at that time had been tabled by the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDE), with some support from the Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) and the Center Party.
Goa 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Goa (Panaji) The Government of India's state of Goa has announced its annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Goa for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in the vide notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247. As per this vide notification, signed by the Under Secretary to the Governor, Shreyas Dsilva,"The Government of Goa is pleased to direct that the days specified in the Annexure-I shall be observed as Public Holidays and the days specified in the Annexure-II as Special Holidays in all Government Offices in the State of Goa during the year 2025 (Saka 1946-1947). All Government Offices will be functional on Special Holidays except if the Special Holidays occur on Saturday or Sunday.". The list of 2025 restricted holidays in Goa is contained in the notification's Annexure-III, the list of Commercial and Industrial Holidays for the Commercial and Industrial Workers in Goa, in Annexure-IV, and Bank Holidays in the State of Goa for the year 2025, in Annexure-V (the list being the same as those of Annexure I, plus the April 1st Yearly Closing of Account). As usual a footnote appears for Muslim public holidays, namely Id-Ul Fitr, Id-Ul-Zuha and Id-e-Milad, stating that "The Holiday mentioned at ... are subject to appearance of moon".
Goa 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Goa (Panaji) The Government of India's state of Goa has announced its annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Goa for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in the vide notification No. 37/3/2024-GAD-III/4247. As per this vide notification, signed by the Under Secretary to the Governor, Shreyas Dsilva,"The Government of Goa is pleased to direct that the days specified in the Annexure-I shall be observed as Public Holidays and the days specified in the Annexure-II as Special Holidays in all Government Offices in the State of Goa during the year 2025 (Saka 1946-1947). All Government Offices will be functional on Special Holidays except if the Special Holidays occur on Saturday or Sunday.". The list of 2025 restricted holidays in Goa is contained in the notification's Annexure-III, the list of Commercial and Industrial Holidays for the Commercial and Industrial Workers in Goa, in Annexure-IV, and Bank Holidays in the State of Goa for the year 2025, in Annexure-V (the list being the same as those of Annexure I, plus the April 1st Yearly Closing of Account). As usual a footnote appears for Muslim public holidays, namely Id-Ul Fitr, Id-Ul-Zuha and Id-e-Milad, stating that "The Holiday mentioned at ... are subject to appearance of moon".
Maharashtra Electoral Public Holiday November 20 Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra has published the Government Circular No. VIsani-2024/P.No.97/Industry-6, signed by the Government of Maharashtra's Karyassan Officer, Shamkant Sonawane, and which declares Wednesday, November 20, 2024, as a public holiday for both the public and private sectors on account of the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. In its preamble, the aforementioned circular states that the declaration of November 20 as a public holiday was made necessary as "in recent elections, it has been observed that institutions/establishments do not grant adequate leave". The declaration of Wednesday, November 20, 2024, as a public holiday thus further amends last November's Government vide Notification No.PHD-1123/C.R.148/JPK (Desk-29) which announced the list of 2024 public holidays in India's state of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Electoral Public Holiday November 20 Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra has published the Government Circular No. VIsani-2024/P.No.97/Industry-6, signed by the Government of Maharashtra's Karyassan Officer, Shamkant Sonawane, and which declares Wednesday, November 20, 2024, as a public holiday for both the public and private sectors on account of the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. In its preamble, the aforementioned circular states that the declaration of November 20 as a public holiday was made necessary as "in recent elections, it has been observed that institutions/establishments do not grant adequate leave". The declaration of Wednesday, November 20, 2024, as a public holiday thus further amends last November's Government vide Notification No.PHD-1123/C.R.148/JPK (Desk-29) which announced the list of 2024 public holidays in India's state of Maharashtra.
Mizoram Declares November 5 Public Holiday In Sinlung Hills Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The Competent Authority of the Sinlung Hills Council Area of India's State of Mizoram has declared Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The aforementioned announcement is outside of the scope of the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Mizoram as published last September by the Government of Mizoram in the vide notification No. F.23012/ 1/2020-GAD/84, and which only listed national and state-wide public holidays and restricted holidays.
Mizoram Declares November 5 Public Holiday In Sinlung Hills Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The Competent Authority of the Sinlung Hills Council Area of India's State of Mizoram has declared Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The aforementioned announcement is outside of the scope of the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Mizoram as published last September by the Government of Mizoram in the vide notification No. F.23012/ 1/2020-GAD/84, and which only listed national and state-wide public holidays and restricted holidays.
Singapore 2025 Public Holidays Amended Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released an amended list of non-working Singapore public holidays and bank holidays in Singapore for the upcoming calendar year 2025. The public holiday dates for Hari Raya Puasa (the End of Ramadan) and Hari Raya Haji (the feast of Sacrifice), which had been marked as "Subject to further confirmation" in last summer's announcement, have now been confirmed.
Singapore 2025 Public Holidays Amended Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released an amended list of non-working Singapore public holidays and bank holidays in Singapore for the upcoming calendar year 2025. The public holiday dates for Hari Raya Puasa (the End of Ramadan) and Hari Raya Haji (the feast of Sacrifice), which had been marked as "Subject to further confirmation" in last summer's announcement, have now been confirmed.
Timor Leste Declares October 31 Public Holiday Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has issued a communiqué declaring Thursday, October 31, 2024, as as a one-off public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) in Timor Leste. As per the aforementioned communiqué, "At its meeting on October 24th, the Council of Ministers decided to grant a day off on October 31st 2024, considering that November 1st and 2nd are All Saints‘ Day and All Souls’ Day, dates of great importance to the Catholic community and established as national holidays by Law no. 10/2005, of August 10th, amended by Law no. 3/2016, of May 25th. The aim of this decision is to make it easier for people to travel to their hometowns and take part in religious celebrations". The weekday before or after the annual November 1st All Saints' Day public holiday has often been declared a tolerância de ponto in Timor Leste. Recall that, in 2019 and 2022, October 31st was also declared a one-off public sector holiday in Timor Leste, while November 3rd was declared a one-off public sector holiday in 2020 and 2021. Last year, a fake communiqué circulated that October 31st, 2023, had also been declared a tolerância de ponto, but this was denied in a formal communiqué on the day before that purported one-off public holiday ("The Prime Minister's Office and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers would like to inform everyone that tomorrow, Tuesday, October 31st, 2023, there will be no day off. Therefore, it will be a normal working day").
Timor Leste Declares October 31 Public Holiday Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has issued a communiqué declaring Thursday, October 31, 2024, as as a one-off public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) in Timor Leste. As per the aforementioned communiqué, "At its meeting on October 24th, the Council of Ministers decided to grant a day off on October 31st 2024, considering that November 1st and 2nd are All Saints‘ Day and All Souls’ Day, dates of great importance to the Catholic community and established as national holidays by Law no. 10/2005, of August 10th, amended by Law no. 3/2016, of May 25th. The aim of this decision is to make it easier for people to travel to their hometowns and take part in religious celebrations". The weekday before or after the annual November 1st All Saints' Day public holiday has often been declared a tolerância de ponto in Timor Leste. Recall that, in 2019 and 2022, October 31st was also declared a one-off public sector holiday in Timor Leste, while November 3rd was declared a one-off public sector holiday in 2020 and 2021. Last year, a fake communiqué circulated that October 31st, 2023, had also been declared a tolerância de ponto, but this was denied in a formal communiqué on the day before that purported one-off public holiday ("The Prime Minister's Office and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers would like to inform everyone that tomorrow, Tuesday, October 31st, 2023, there will be no day off. Therefore, it will be a normal working day").
Uttar Pradesh Confirms Diwali And Early November Public Holidays Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The Chief Secretary of the Yogi Adityanath Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, Deepak Kumar, has confirmed the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday, as well as the subsequent early November public holidays for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. As per the Chief Secretary's announcement, Diwali Puja is performed on the night of Amavasya, and this year Amavasya begins at 14:40 on October 31, therefore this year Diwali will be celebrated on October 31. For their part, Govardhan Puja will be on 2 November and Bhai Dooj on 3 November, 2024. Today's announcement is in line with the list of 2024 state public holidays contained in the Uttar Pradesh Government Order vide Notification Section No.528/3-2023-39(2)/2016 of last December.
Uttar Pradesh Confirms Diwali And Early November Public Holidays Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The Chief Secretary of the Yogi Adityanath Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, Deepak Kumar, has confirmed the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday, as well as the subsequent early November public holidays for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj. As per the Chief Secretary's announcement, Diwali Puja is performed on the night of Amavasya, and this year Amavasya begins at 14:40 on October 31, therefore this year Diwali will be celebrated on October 31. For their part, Govardhan Puja will be on 2 November and Bhai Dooj on 3 November, 2024. Today's announcement is in line with the list of 2024 state public holidays contained in the Uttar Pradesh Government Order vide Notification Section No.528/3-2023-39(2)/2016 of last December.
Gujarat Extends Upcoming Diwali Public Holiday Government of Gujarat (Gandhinagar) The General Administration Department of the government of the Indian State of Gujarat has declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as an additional public holiday in government offices including panchayat and boards/corporations "to make a way for continuous holidays in Diwali season from Thursday 31st October(Diwali) to Saturday 2nd November (Gujarati new year day) and further to 3rd November (Bhai bij)". The aforementioned announcement goes on to specify that, as compensation, "government offices will remain open and functional on the Saturday, 9th of November". The aforementioned notification thus amends the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Gujarat as published last November in the vide notification No. GS/27/2023 /JSR/102023 /930/GH. Recall that, last week, the Government of India's State of Tamil Nadu had similarly declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a public holiday "for all government offices, public sector companies, schools, colleges and other educational institutions" to link-up the October 31 Deepavali public holiday with the subsequent weekend and, in compensation, had also declared Saturday, November 9, 2024, as a regular working day, despite November 9, 2024, falling on the second Saturday of the month.
Gujarat Extends Upcoming Diwali Public Holiday Government of Gujarat (Gandhinagar) The General Administration Department of the government of the Indian State of Gujarat has declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as an additional public holiday in government offices including panchayat and boards/corporations "to make a way for continuous holidays in Diwali season from Thursday 31st October(Diwali) to Saturday 2nd November (Gujarati new year day) and further to 3rd November (Bhai bij)". The aforementioned announcement goes on to specify that, as compensation, "government offices will remain open and functional on the Saturday, 9th of November". The aforementioned notification thus amends the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Gujarat as published last November in the vide notification No. GS/27/2023 /JSR/102023 /930/GH. Recall that, last week, the Government of India's State of Tamil Nadu had similarly declared Friday, November 1, 2024, as a public holiday "for all government offices, public sector companies, schools, colleges and other educational institutions" to link-up the October 31 Deepavali public holiday with the subsequent weekend and, in compensation, had also declared Saturday, November 9, 2024, as a regular working day, despite November 9, 2024, falling on the second Saturday of the month.
Myanmar Deepavali Public Holiday November 1st Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The Senior Armed Forces Council (SAC) of the government of Myanmar has released an extension to its previously-released list of bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Myanmar for the calendar year 2024, by declaring a public holiday on Friday, November 1, 2024, on account of the annual Deepavali public holiday of Myanmar. As per the State Administration Council Notification No 175/2024, "Due to the celebration of Deepavali, Friday, 1st Waxing of Tazaungmone 1386 ME (1 November 2024) has been declared a public holiday across the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for all offices and under the provisions of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act". The aforementioned announcement thus completes the list of the dates of the official Myanmar annual bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Myanmar for the calendar year 2024, released last January.
Myanmar Deepavali Public Holiday November 1st Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The Senior Armed Forces Council (SAC) of the government of Myanmar has released an extension to its previously-released list of bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Myanmar for the calendar year 2024, by declaring a public holiday on Friday, November 1, 2024, on account of the annual Deepavali public holiday of Myanmar. As per the State Administration Council Notification No 175/2024, "Due to the celebration of Deepavali, Friday, 1st Waxing of Tazaungmone 1386 ME (1 November 2024) has been declared a public holiday across the Republic of the Union of Myanmar for all offices and under the provisions of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act". The aforementioned announcement thus completes the list of the dates of the official Myanmar annual bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Myanmar for the calendar year 2024, released last January.
Queensland 2026 Public Holidays Announced Department of Justice and Attorney-General (State of Queensland) The Department of Justice and Attorney-General of Australia's State of Queensland has announced the dates of the annual non-working public holidays for 2026 in the State of Queensland. A new footnote has been added to the aforementioned running list of Queensland public holidays, "Anzac Day public holiday is to be observed on 25 April each year or, if 25 April is a Sunday, it shall be observed on the following Monday", though it does not apply to the list of 2026 public holidays.
Queensland 2026 Public Holidays Announced Department of Justice and Attorney-General (State of Queensland) The Department of Justice and Attorney-General of Australia's State of Queensland has announced the dates of the annual non-working public holidays for 2026 in the State of Queensland. A new footnote has been added to the aforementioned running list of Queensland public holidays, "Anzac Day public holiday is to be observed on 25 April each year or, if 25 April is a Sunday, it shall be observed on the following Monday", though it does not apply to the list of 2026 public holidays.
Slovenian National Assembly Overrides Primorska Holiday Veto Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The lower house of Slovenia's National Assembly has overridden last month's veto by the upper chamber on the legislation to rename the Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day national holiday. From now on, the September 15 national holiday will be called the Incorporation of Primorska into the Motherland Day. Recall that, on September 10, the lower house of the National Assembly of Slovenia had approved a proposal to amend the law on holidays and work on days off by renaming the September 15, Day of Restoration of the Primorska Region to the Motherland holiday as the Return of Primorska to the Motherland. But on September 16, the upper chamber of Slovenia's National Assembly rejected the legislation to rename the Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day holiday. The lower house needed a absolute majority vote to override the upper house's veto. Note that September 15, is not a work-free day, despite being one of Slovenia's National Holidays and the mention that "National holidays in the Republic of Slovenia are work-free days".
Slovenian National Assembly Overrides Primorska Holiday Veto Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The lower house of Slovenia's National Assembly has overridden last month's veto by the upper chamber on the legislation to rename the Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day national holiday. From now on, the September 15 national holiday will be called the Incorporation of Primorska into the Motherland Day. Recall that, on September 10, the lower house of the National Assembly of Slovenia had approved a proposal to amend the law on holidays and work on days off by renaming the September 15, Day of Restoration of the Primorska Region to the Motherland holiday as the Return of Primorska to the Motherland. But on September 16, the upper chamber of Slovenia's National Assembly rejected the legislation to rename the Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day holiday. The lower house needed a absolute majority vote to override the upper house's veto. Note that September 15, is not a work-free day, despite being one of Slovenia's National Holidays and the mention that "National holidays in the Republic of Slovenia are work-free days".
Gabon To Enshrine August 30 Public Holiday In New Constitution Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's current ruling military junta is proposing a new constitution which includes the enshrining of the August 30 public holiday declared to celebrate the downfall of the President Ali Bongo Ondimba. A referendum on the proposed new Gabonese constitution is to be held on November 16, 2024. Recall that, last August, Gabon's ministre du Travail et de la lutte contre le chômage, Adrien Nguema Mba, had issued a communique declaring Tuesday, August 30, 2024, as a public holiday in the Gabon, on account of the upcoming Journée de La Libération. That communique stated that "En application du décret n°0096/PR/MCJSA du 15 février 2024, instituant la journée nationale de Libération, la journée du 30 août 2024 instituée la journée nationale de Libération est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire". The new August 30 public holiday had separately been announced in February 2024, when Gabon's Comité pour la transition et la restauration des institutions (CTRI), issued a decree declaring August 30th a new annual public holiday to commemorate the Journée nationale de la libération.
Gabon To Enshrine August 30 Public Holiday In New Constitution Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's current ruling military junta is proposing a new constitution which includes the enshrining of the August 30 public holiday declared to celebrate the downfall of the President Ali Bongo Ondimba. A referendum on the proposed new Gabonese constitution is to be held on November 16, 2024. Recall that, last August, Gabon's ministre du Travail et de la lutte contre le chômage, Adrien Nguema Mba, had issued a communique declaring Tuesday, August 30, 2024, as a public holiday in the Gabon, on account of the upcoming Journée de La Libération. That communique stated that "En application du décret n°0096/PR/MCJSA du 15 février 2024, instituant la journée nationale de Libération, la journée du 30 août 2024 instituée la journée nationale de Libération est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire". The new August 30 public holiday had separately been announced in February 2024, when Gabon's Comité pour la transition et la restauration des institutions (CTRI), issued a decree declaring August 30th a new annual public holiday to commemorate the Journée nationale de la libération.
Germany 2025 Public Holidays Announced Deutsche Bundesbank (Frankfurt) The German Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank) has published its annual list of the 2025 federal and regional non-working public holidays in Germany as well as the list of 2025 bank holidays in Germany. As usual, the aforementioned announcement includes TARGET and TARGET 2 holidays and the additional non-business days of the Deutsche Bundesbank (Zusätzliche geschäftsfreie Tage der Deutschen Bundesbank), as well as the list of the 2025 federal (Feiertage, gültig für die gesamte Bundesrepublik) and regional (Zusätzliche Feiertage, gültig für einzelne Bundesländer) non-working public holidays in Germany. Note that the aforementioned list does not mention the fact that Easter Sunday is a public holiday in Brandenburg since 2016. Neither does it include the May 8th recurring public holiday in Berlin, every five years, to mark the anniversary of the end of World War Two.
Germany 2025 Public Holidays Announced Deutsche Bundesbank (Frankfurt) The German Central Bank (Deutsche Bundesbank) has published its annual list of the 2025 federal and regional non-working public holidays in Germany as well as the list of 2025 bank holidays in Germany. As usual, the aforementioned announcement includes TARGET and TARGET 2 holidays and the additional non-business days of the Deutsche Bundesbank (Zusätzliche geschäftsfreie Tage der Deutschen Bundesbank), as well as the list of the 2025 federal (Feiertage, gültig für die gesamte Bundesrepublik) and regional (Zusätzliche Feiertage, gültig für einzelne Bundesländer) non-working public holidays in Germany. Note that the aforementioned list does not mention the fact that Easter Sunday is a public holiday in Brandenburg since 2016. Neither does it include the May 8th recurring public holiday in Berlin, every five years, to mark the anniversary of the end of World War Two.
Haryana Moves Diwali Public Holiday To October 31 Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The chief secretary of the Government of India's state of Haryana has issued the vide notification No.28/67/2008-1HR-1 declaring Thusday, October 31, 2024, as a public holiday, on account of the upcoming Diwali. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "It is hereby notified that the 31st October, 2024 (Thursday) shall be observed as Gazetted Holiday in all the Departments/ Boards/ Corporations, Educational and other Institutions of the Haryana Government on account of festival Diwali instead of 01st November, 2024 (Friday) already notified vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-I, dated 22.12.2023". The notification goes on to specify that "It is also notified that the Gazetted Holiday of Diwali on 31st October, 2024 shall also be observed within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments, Act, 1881". The move of the upcoming Diwali public holiday to Thusday, October 31, 2024, further amends the terms of the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-1 of last December containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2024.
Haryana Moves Diwali Public Holiday To October 31 Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The chief secretary of the Government of India's state of Haryana has issued the vide notification No.28/67/2008-1HR-1 declaring Thusday, October 31, 2024, as a public holiday, on account of the upcoming Diwali. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "It is hereby notified that the 31st October, 2024 (Thursday) shall be observed as Gazetted Holiday in all the Departments/ Boards/ Corporations, Educational and other Institutions of the Haryana Government on account of festival Diwali instead of 01st November, 2024 (Friday) already notified vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-I, dated 22.12.2023". The notification goes on to specify that "It is also notified that the Gazetted Holiday of Diwali on 31st October, 2024 shall also be observed within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments, Act, 1881". The move of the upcoming Diwali public holiday to Thusday, October 31, 2024, further amends the terms of the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-1 of last December containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2024.
Sint Maarten 2025-2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Sint Maarten (Great Bay) The Sint Maarten Labour Department has released the official annual list of non-working public holidays in Sint Maarten for the calendar years 2025 and 2026, based on the "National Ordinance regulating Work, Working Hours and Overtime” (Arbeidsregeling). Note that the date for Easter Monday in 2026 is incorrect in the aforementioned communiqué.
Sint Maarten 2025-2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Sint Maarten (Great Bay) The Sint Maarten Labour Department has released the official annual list of non-working public holidays in Sint Maarten for the calendar years 2025 and 2026, based on the "National Ordinance regulating Work, Working Hours and Overtime” (Arbeidsregeling). Note that the date for Easter Monday in 2026 is incorrect in the aforementioned communiqué.
Victoria Treaty Could Feature New Public Holiday State Government of Victoria (Melbourne) Negotiations for a statewide treaty between Victorian Aboriginal communities and the government of the Australian State of Victoria are expected to start before the end of the year, and to include the addition of a new state public holiday celebrating Aboriginal culture. That new public holiday could be observed on the date a treaty is signed. Such a new public holiday would amend the already announced list of Victorian public holidays for 2026 (announced in late 2023) and the list of public holidays for 2027 (announced last July).
Victoria Treaty Could Feature New Public Holiday State Government of Victoria (Melbourne) Negotiations for a statewide treaty between Victorian Aboriginal communities and the government of the Australian State of Victoria are expected to start before the end of the year, and to include the addition of a new state public holiday celebrating Aboriginal culture. That new public holiday could be observed on the date a treaty is signed. Such a new public holiday would amend the already announced list of Victorian public holidays for 2026 (announced in late 2023) and the list of public holidays for 2027 (announced last July).
Vietnamese 2025 Public Holidays Draft Sent To Prime Minister Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) After a month of consultations, 13 of the 16 agencies and ministries consulted have come in favour of last month's draft by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), containing a suggested arrangement of the 2025 Tet Lunar New Year holidays, the National Day holidays and the April 30/May 1 holidays. The proposal has now been sent to the Prime Minister for approval. Recall that, in mid-September, MOLISA submitted a draft list of 2025 public holidays with only one option for the Lunar New Year public holidays, as well as only one option only for the Victory Day and May 1 public holidays. Since then, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, and the Ministries of Home Affairs, Health and Transport had issued communiqués, responding favorably to the 2025 public holidays draft.
Vietnamese 2025 Public Holidays Draft Sent To Prime Minister Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) After a month of consultations, 13 of the 16 agencies and ministries consulted have come in favour of last month's draft by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), containing a suggested arrangement of the 2025 Tet Lunar New Year holidays, the National Day holidays and the April 30/May 1 holidays. The proposal has now been sent to the Prime Minister for approval. Recall that, in mid-September, MOLISA submitted a draft list of 2025 public holidays with only one option for the Lunar New Year public holidays, as well as only one option only for the Victory Day and May 1 public holidays. Since then, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, and the Ministries of Home Affairs, Health and Transport had issued communiqués, responding favorably to the 2025 public holidays draft.
Bihar Declares November 13 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Bihar (Patna) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Bihar has released the vide notification No.3/H-01/2023-17014/SA which declares a one-off public sector holiday on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, on account of that day's by-elections in the Ramgarh, Tarari, Belaganj, and Imamganj assembly seats. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "all the state government offices, undertaking organizations, corporations, boards, statutory and local bodies, and educational institutions will remain closed on November 13 so that people can exercise their voting rights". The vide notification No.3/H-01/2023-17014/SA further amends the terms of the Government vide notification No. 3/H-02/2023-S.P 16953 of September 2023 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Bihar for the calendar year 2024. Late last week, the Government of the state of Rajasthan had similarly issued a vide notification declaring Wednesday, November 13, 2024, as a one-off electoral public holiday on account of the bye-elections being held on that date.
Bihar Declares November 13 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Bihar (Patna) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Bihar has released the vide notification No.3/H-01/2023-17014/SA which declares a one-off public sector holiday on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, on account of that day's by-elections in the Ramgarh, Tarari, Belaganj, and Imamganj assembly seats. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "all the state government offices, undertaking organizations, corporations, boards, statutory and local bodies, and educational institutions will remain closed on November 13 so that people can exercise their voting rights". The vide notification No.3/H-01/2023-17014/SA further amends the terms of the Government vide notification No. 3/H-02/2023-S.P 16953 of September 2023 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Bihar for the calendar year 2024. Late last week, the Government of the state of Rajasthan had similarly issued a vide notification declaring Wednesday, November 13, 2024, as a one-off electoral public holiday on account of the bye-elections being held on that date.
Georgia Extends Upcoming Electoral Public Holidays The Administration of the President of Georgia (Tbilisi) Following the request of Georgia's Central Election Commission, the Government of Georgia has declared Friday, October 25, 2024, as an additional one-off public holiday on account of the Parliamentary Elections taking place on October 26, 2024 (which is an automatic one-off public holiday as per Article 6 of the revised Georgian Constitution, which states that "The date of the elections shall be declared as a holiday").
Georgia Extends Upcoming Electoral Public Holidays The Administration of the President of Georgia (Tbilisi) Following the request of Georgia's Central Election Commission, the Government of Georgia has declared Friday, October 25, 2024, as an additional one-off public holiday on account of the Parliamentary Elections taking place on October 26, 2024 (which is an automatic one-off public holiday as per Article 6 of the revised Georgian Constitution, which states that "The date of the elections shall be declared as a holiday").
Jamaican Private Sector Calls For 4-Day Emancipendence Public Holidays Jamaica Information Service (JIS) The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has issued a press release calling on the government of Jamaica to combine the annual public holidays of Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6), into an annual 4-day public holiday, presumably with one holiday on the first Friday of August and the other on the Monday that follows. The August 1st Emancipation Day was declared a public holiday in Jamaica in 1893. But it was dropped in 1962, the year of Jamaica's Independence, and replaced by Independence Day on August 6. It was then restored in 1997 by then Prime Minister, PJ Patterson.
Jamaican Private Sector Calls For 4-Day Emancipendence Public Holidays Jamaica Information Service (JIS) The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has issued a press release calling on the government of Jamaica to combine the annual public holidays of Emancipation Day (August 1) and Independence Day (August 6), into an annual 4-day public holiday, presumably with one holiday on the first Friday of August and the other on the Monday that follows. The August 1st Emancipation Day was declared a public holiday in Jamaica in 1893. But it was dropped in 1962, the year of Jamaica's Independence, and replaced by Independence Day on August 6. It was then restored in 1997 by then Prime Minister, PJ Patterson.
Macedonian Public Holiday October 23 Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) Macedonia's Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth has announced that Wednesday, October 23, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday throughout Macedonia "for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia" on account of the upcoming "Day of Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle" annual public holiday in Macedonia. The above is in line with the Macedonian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy's official list of 2024 public holidays in Macedonia, as published last October and, more generally with the Law on Holidays of the Republic of Macedonia (Official Gazette, and Br.21/98 7.18) as last amended in 2007.
Macedonian Public Holiday October 23 Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) Macedonia's Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth has announced that Wednesday, October 23, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday throughout Macedonia "for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia" on account of the upcoming "Day of Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle" annual public holiday in Macedonia. The above is in line with the Macedonian Ministry of Labour and Social Policy's official list of 2024 public holidays in Macedonia, as published last October and, more generally with the Law on Holidays of the Republic of Macedonia (Official Gazette, and Br.21/98 7.18) as last amended in 2007.
New Zealand Updates 2024 Public Holidays New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released an updated version of its list of 2024 regional public holidays in New Zealand, with a change to the 2024 actual dates of the Wellington and Marlborough Anniversary public holidays (both of which seem incorrect). The previous list of New Zealand 2023-2024 public holidays had been released almost 3 years ago, but it was amended in 2022, following the passage of the Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill which established a new annual public holiday in New Zealand for the Matariki Maori New Year. Another partial update occurred last June, also containing errors.
New Zealand Updates 2024 Public Holidays New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released an updated version of its list of 2024 regional public holidays in New Zealand, with a change to the 2024 actual dates of the Wellington and Marlborough Anniversary public holidays (both of which seem incorrect). The previous list of New Zealand 2023-2024 public holidays had been released almost 3 years ago, but it was amended in 2022, following the passage of the Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill which established a new annual public holiday in New Zealand for the Matariki Maori New Year. Another partial update occurred last June, also containing errors.
Puerto Rico 2025 Public Holidays Announced Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos en el Gobierno de Puerto (OATRH) The public sector's human resources department of the government of Puerto Rico (OATRH - Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos) has released its annual "Memorando Especial", which lists Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025. The aforementioned document listing Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025, follows the "Proyecto del Senado 1113", signed by he Governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro García Padilla, in 2015 and slightly amended a year later. That amendment immediately reduced the number of annual non-working public sector holidays in Puerto Rico, by lumping 4 of the annual non-working public sector holidays of Puerto Rico into one, the "Día de Jorge Washington, Día de los Presidentes y el Día de las Mujeres y Hombres Próceres de Puerto Rico, en honor a la vida y obra de: Teniente Augusto Rodríguez, Eugenio María de Hostos, José de Diego, Luis Muñoz Rivera, José Celso Barbosa, Ramón Emeterio Betances, Román Baldorioty de Castro, Luis Muñoz Marín, Ernesto Ramos Antonini, Luis A. Ferré Aguayo, Lola Rodríguez de Tió, Nilita Vientós Gastón, Julia de Burgos, Mariana Bracetti, Ana Roque de Duprey, Luisa Capetillo, María Luisa Arcelay, Sor Isolina Ferré, Felisa Rincón de Gautier, María Libertad Gómez, Roberto Clemente Walker y Rafael Hernández Colón"). The private sector benefits from far fewer public holidays than the public sector. Banks usually follow the public sector holidays, except in cases when these fall on a Sunday. As usual, the announcement of Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 mentions that the calendar of Puerto Rico public holidays for 2025 is subject to later modifications by Puerto Rico's Governor ("Este Memorando Especial pudiera estar sujeto a enmienda debido a que el Gobernador, o la persona que él designe, podrá establecer mediante proclama que cierto día feriado se observará el lunes o viernes que sea más cercano a la celebración de dicho día.").
Puerto Rico 2025 Public Holidays Announced Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos en el Gobierno de Puerto (OATRH) The public sector's human resources department of the government of Puerto Rico (OATRH - Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos) has released its annual "Memorando Especial", which lists Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025. The aforementioned document listing Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025, follows the "Proyecto del Senado 1113", signed by he Governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro García Padilla, in 2015 and slightly amended a year later. That amendment immediately reduced the number of annual non-working public sector holidays in Puerto Rico, by lumping 4 of the annual non-working public sector holidays of Puerto Rico into one, the "Día de Jorge Washington, Día de los Presidentes y el Día de las Mujeres y Hombres Próceres de Puerto Rico, en honor a la vida y obra de: Teniente Augusto Rodríguez, Eugenio María de Hostos, José de Diego, Luis Muñoz Rivera, José Celso Barbosa, Ramón Emeterio Betances, Román Baldorioty de Castro, Luis Muñoz Marín, Ernesto Ramos Antonini, Luis A. Ferré Aguayo, Lola Rodríguez de Tió, Nilita Vientós Gastón, Julia de Burgos, Mariana Bracetti, Ana Roque de Duprey, Luisa Capetillo, María Luisa Arcelay, Sor Isolina Ferré, Felisa Rincón de Gautier, María Libertad Gómez, Roberto Clemente Walker y Rafael Hernández Colón"). The private sector benefits from far fewer public holidays than the public sector. Banks usually follow the public sector holidays, except in cases when these fall on a Sunday. As usual, the announcement of Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 mentions that the calendar of Puerto Rico public holidays for 2025 is subject to later modifications by Puerto Rico's Governor ("Este Memorando Especial pudiera estar sujeto a enmienda debido a que el Gobernador, o la persona que él designe, podrá establecer mediante proclama que cierto día feriado se observará el lunes o viernes que sea más cercano a la celebración de dicho día.").
South African Deepavali Public Holiday Update South African Press Association (Pretoria) The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) of the Government of South Africa has responded, to a request that Diwali be added as an annual public holiday in South Africa, that the request would be considered, reminding the petitioners that "before a day is declared a public holiday, the decision needed the president, Cabinet approval and public participation as required by the Constitution". Recall that, in 2012, South Africa's CRL Rights Commission had announced that it had been tasked with a review of the list of official public holidays in South Africa. But, the CRL Rights Commission's report, submitted in the spring of the following year, remained without effect. And, in 2003, then South African Minister of Home Affairs and President of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, had similarly been mandated by the South African Cabinet to chair an inter-departmental task team to review the South African official public holidays calendar. Nothing ever came out of either consultation, and the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994, revised in 1995, stands unchanged to this day. In the case of Deepavali, in South Africa, there is an issue with the calculation of the actual date to use, as South African Hindus belonging to the Hindu Maha Sabha follow the rules of Northern India, while South African Hindus belonging to the KwaZulu-Natal Tamil Federation follow the rules of Southern India. Due to the way these rules are constructed, northern and southern Deepavali will differ by a day in about 40 percent of cases. In 2007, during one of the regular Deepavali date spats between the 2 communities, the then head of the Maha Sabha, Ashwin Trikamjee, stated that "There should be no confusion. We have an agreement in place that stipulates that we will celebrate Diwali as a a united community on one day and alternate the dates of the south and north Indian communities each year. Last year, we observed Diwali on the south Indian date, and this year we will use the north Indian date. India is celebrating Diwali on November 9. This is the official date.". But Bala Naidoo, the then president of the KwaZulu-Natal Tamil Federation, rejoined that "the agreement to alternate dates was merely an arrangement made when we made a call to government for Diwali to be declared a public holiday", and going on to clarify matters beyond any doubt by adding that "We wanted to speak with one voice, but the agreement does not stand any more.".
South African Deepavali Public Holiday Update South African Press Association (Pretoria) The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) of the Government of South Africa has responded, to a request that Diwali be added as an annual public holiday in South Africa, that the request would be considered, reminding the petitioners that "before a day is declared a public holiday, the decision needed the president, Cabinet approval and public participation as required by the Constitution". Recall that, in 2012, South Africa's CRL Rights Commission had announced that it had been tasked with a review of the list of official public holidays in South Africa. But, the CRL Rights Commission's report, submitted in the spring of the following year, remained without effect. And, in 2003, then South African Minister of Home Affairs and President of the Inkatha Freedom Party, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, had similarly been mandated by the South African Cabinet to chair an inter-departmental task team to review the South African official public holidays calendar. Nothing ever came out of either consultation, and the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994, revised in 1995, stands unchanged to this day. In the case of Deepavali, in South Africa, there is an issue with the calculation of the actual date to use, as South African Hindus belonging to the Hindu Maha Sabha follow the rules of Northern India, while South African Hindus belonging to the KwaZulu-Natal Tamil Federation follow the rules of Southern India. Due to the way these rules are constructed, northern and southern Deepavali will differ by a day in about 40 percent of cases. In 2007, during one of the regular Deepavali date spats between the 2 communities, the then head of the Maha Sabha, Ashwin Trikamjee, stated that "There should be no confusion. We have an agreement in place that stipulates that we will celebrate Diwali as a a united community on one day and alternate the dates of the south and north Indian communities each year. Last year, we observed Diwali on the south Indian date, and this year we will use the north Indian date. India is celebrating Diwali on November 9. This is the official date.". But Bala Naidoo, the then president of the KwaZulu-Natal Tamil Federation, rejoined that "the agreement to alternate dates was merely an arrangement made when we made a call to government for Diwali to be declared a public holiday", and going on to clarify matters beyond any doubt by adding that "We wanted to speak with one voice, but the agreement does not stand any more.".
Maldives Extend Republic Day Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The President's Office's Chief of Staff of the Maldives, Abdulla Fayaz, has announced that President Mohamed Muizzu had declared Sunday, November 10, 2024, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "since national day falls on Monday, the 11th of November". Recall that, last summer, President Muizzu had similarly declared Thursday, September 5, 2024, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "in observance of this year’s National Day, which falls on September 4, Wednesday". The Maldives observe a Friday-Saturday weekend.
Maldives Extend Republic Day Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The President's Office's Chief of Staff of the Maldives, Abdulla Fayaz, has announced that President Mohamed Muizzu had declared Sunday, November 10, 2024, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "since national day falls on Monday, the 11th of November". Recall that, last summer, President Muizzu had similarly declared Thursday, September 5, 2024, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "in observance of this year’s National Day, which falls on September 4, Wednesday". The Maldives observe a Friday-Saturday weekend.
Palau United Nations Day Public Holiday Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Thursday, October 24, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming United Nations Day public holiday of Palau. Back in 2009, then President, Johnson Toribiong, issued the Presidential Proclamation No. 09-09, moving the 2009 United Nations Day to Friday, October 2nd, 2009, to coincide with the Olchotel Belau Fair on October 1 and 2, 2009.
Palau United Nations Day Public Holiday Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Thursday, October 24, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming United Nations Day public holiday of Palau. Back in 2009, then President, Johnson Toribiong, issued the Presidential Proclamation No. 09-09, moving the 2009 United Nations Day to Friday, October 2nd, 2009, to coincide with the Olchotel Belau Fair on October 1 and 2, 2009.
Bahrain Rejects MPs Proposal For Shifted Public Holidays Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister, Ghanim Al Buainain, replying on behalf of the Cabinet, has rejected a legislative proposal to shift public holidays that fall two days before or after a weekend, "with a view to reducing absenteeism at work". The Minister justified this rejection due to the fact that "the shift was impossible as most public holidays had religious, patriotic or international significance" and that "moving the days would lead to them losing value".
Bahrain Rejects MPs Proposal For Shifted Public Holidays Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister, Ghanim Al Buainain, replying on behalf of the Cabinet, has rejected a legislative proposal to shift public holidays that fall two days before or after a weekend, "with a view to reducing absenteeism at work". The Minister justified this rejection due to the fact that "the shift was impossible as most public holidays had religious, patriotic or international significance" and that "moving the days would lead to them losing value".
