The Assam government has declared November 9, 2026, a local holiday in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district for Diwali celebrations. The General Administration Department issued the notification following approval from the Governor of Assam. The order covers state government offices, educational institutions and financial institutions within the district. The additional holiday will allow residents of Guwahati and surrounding areas to observe the festival and participate in celebrations. Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, this year. Consequently, the local holiday on Monday will provide an additional day off for eligible institutions across Kamrup Metro.
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Assam Government Announces Local Holiday
The General Administration Department issued the local holiday notification on November 5, 2026, following the Governor’s approval.
The order declares Monday, November 9, a holiday throughout the jurisdiction of Kamrup (Metro) district.
It specifically covers state government offices and educational institutions operating within the district.
Financial institutions will also remain closed under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
The notification refers to the relevant Union Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated June 8, 1957, which governs holidays for financial institutions under the Act.
The decision applies specifically to Kamrup (Metro). It does not automatically extend the same additional holiday to every district in Assam.
Therefore, residents should check the applicable holiday notifications for other districts and institutions.
Government Offices and Educational Institutions to Remain Closed
The November 9 holiday will affect state government offices across Kamrup (Metro).
Government employees working within the district will receive the additional day off under the notification.
Educational institutions falling within the district’s jurisdiction will also remain closed.
The order provides a clear holiday arrangement for government offices and educational establishments during the Diwali period.
Financial institutions will follow the separate provision mentioned in the notification.
However, the order does not establish a blanket closure for every private business or organisation.
Private establishments may follow their own holiday policies and applicable labour regulations.
Similarly, essential services and emergency operations should be checked separately before assuming that all public services will stop.
Diwali Falls on November 8 in 2026
Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The festival takes place on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Families traditionally celebrate by lighting diyas, decorating homes and offering prayers.
Many devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha during the festival.
Markets and residential areas across Guwahati generally experience increased activity during the festive period.
People purchase sweets, clothes, decorative items and gifts for family members.
The additional holiday on November 9 will allow eligible employees and students to enjoy a longer festive break.
However, the actual timing of religious observances may vary according to local traditions and panchang calculations.
Five-Day Diwali Festivities Begin With Dhanteras
Diwali celebrations traditionally extend across several days.
The festivities began with Dhanteras on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Dhanteras is associated with the purchase of precious metals, household items and other goods. Many families also observe traditional prayers on the occasion.
The celebrations continue through Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali and the following festive observances.
Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj form important parts of the wider celebration period.
These occasions bring families together and encourage traditional customs across communities.
In Assam, residents also participate in local religious and cultural activities during the festive season.
The November 9 holiday provides additional time for eligible residents to observe the celebrations.
Kamrup Metro Notification Applies Specifically to the District
The state government’s decision is limited to Kamrup (Metro) district.
This distinction is important because Assam’s annual holiday calendar already lists Diwali on November 8, which falls on Sunday.
The additional November 9 holiday provides a separate local arrangement for the metropolitan district.
Other districts may follow their own applicable holiday schedules and separate local notifications.
The General Administration Department has the authority to issue additional local holidays for Kamrup (Metro) under the state’s holiday arrangements.
Consequently, the latest notification gives residents and institutions in the district a clear schedule for the extended Diwali break.
Residents Advised to Check Institutional Schedules
The holiday announcement will help government employees, students and financial institution customers plan their activities.
Residents who need banking services should complete urgent transactions before the closure.
Customers may also use available digital banking facilities during the holiday.
Students and parents should follow updates from their respective educational institutions regarding reopening schedules and any examinations.
Meanwhile, people visiting government offices should plan their work around the revised holiday calendar.
The notification does not change the regular holiday arrangements outside Kamrup (Metro).
Residents in other districts should consult their local administrations for any additional announcements.
Conclusion
The Assam government has declared November 9, 2026, a local holiday in Kamrup (Metro) district for Diwali. The Governor-approved notification covers state government offices, educational institutions and financial institutions under the relevant legal provision. Since Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, the additional Monday holiday provides an extended festive break for eligible institutions. The order applies specifically to Kamrup (Metro) and should not be treated as a statewide additional holiday.
FAQs
1. When is the local Diwali holiday in Kamrup Metro?
The Assam government has declared Monday, November 9, 2026, a local holiday.
2. Why has Assam declared the additional holiday?
The state government announced the holiday to mark Diwali celebrations in Kamrup (Metro) district.
3. Which institutions will remain closed?
State government offices, educational institutions and financial institutions covered by the notification will remain closed.
4. Does the holiday apply across Assam?
No. The additional local holiday specifically applies to Kamrup (Metro) district.
5. When will Diwali be celebrated in 2026?
Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
6. Which department issued the holiday notification?
The General Administration Department issued the notification following the Governor of Assam’s approval.