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Odisha Could Move Diwali Public Holiday To October 20 Government of Odisha (Bhubaneswar) The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha of Puri has announced that both Diwali and Paya Shraddha would be observed on Monday, October 20, 2025, and have urged the Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, to declare October 20 as a public holiday for Diwali, instead of October 21, in accordance with their findings. At the aforementioned press conference, the priests of the Mukti Mandap Pandit Mahasabha stated that the Amavasya Tithi (new moon), essential for Diwali rituals, will last only 14 minutes on October 21, rendering it inauspicious for celebrations as per Hindu traditions. Recall that the date of the Diwali public holiday way set as Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in last November's Government vide notification RDM-Reg-Misc-0013-2024-39068/R-D.M, released by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of Odisha, and which listed 2025 Odisha public holidays. However, such last-minute changes in the dates of its public holidays is not uncommon in Odisha. Last May, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, issued an official notification moving the date of the upcoming Sabitri Amavasya public holiday from Tuesday, May 27, to Monday, May 26, 2025, "after contacting Puri Mukti Mandap and other religious institutions and calendar counting institutions".
Odisha Could Move Diwali Public Holiday To October 20 Government of Odisha (Bhubaneswar) The Mukti Mandap Pandit Sabha of Puri has announced that both Diwali and Paya Shraddha would be observed on Monday, October 20, 2025, and have urged the Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, to declare October 20 as a public holiday for Diwali, instead of October 21, in accordance with their findings. At the aforementioned press conference, the priests of the Mukti Mandap Pandit Mahasabha stated that the Amavasya Tithi (new moon), essential for Diwali rituals, will last only 14 minutes on October 21, rendering it inauspicious for celebrations as per Hindu traditions. Recall that the date of the Diwali public holiday way set as Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in last November's Government vide notification RDM-Reg-Misc-0013-2024-39068/R-D.M, released by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of Odisha, and which listed 2025 Odisha public holidays. However, such last-minute changes in the dates of its public holidays is not uncommon in Odisha. Last May, the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, issued an official notification moving the date of the upcoming Sabitri Amavasya public holiday from Tuesday, May 27, to Monday, May 26, 2025, "after contacting Puri Mukti Mandap and other religious institutions and calendar counting institutions".
Sindh Extends Diwali Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has announced that the previously-declared public holiday for Diwali would be extended for a second day, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for "all government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, and local councils under the Sindh government’s administrative control". Recall that, last week, the Sindh Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department had initially declared Monday, October 20, 2025, as a provincial public holiday "for the Hindu community across the province in celebration of the Diwali festival" and that "the public holiday will apply to both government and non-government institutions in Sindh, ensuring that members of the Hindu community in all sectors can fully participate in the festivities".
Sindh Extends Diwali Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has announced that the previously-declared public holiday for Diwali would be extended for a second day, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for "all government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, and local councils under the Sindh government’s administrative control". Recall that, last week, the Sindh Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department had initially declared Monday, October 20, 2025, as a provincial public holiday "for the Hindu community across the province in celebration of the Diwali festival" and that "the public holiday will apply to both government and non-government institutions in Sindh, ensuring that members of the Hindu community in all sectors can fully participate in the festivities".
Andalucia Gaazettes 2026 Local Public Holidays Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) Spain's Autonomous Region of Andalucia has gazetted its calendar of 2026 local public holidays in the Resolución de 6 de octubre de 2025, de la Dirección General de Trabajo, Seguridad y Salud Laboral, por la que se publica la relación de fiestas locales de los municipios de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía para el año 2026 as published in the BOJA de 14 de octubre de 2025, and signed by the Director General of Andalucia's Dirección General de Trabajo, Seguridad y Salud Laboral, Luis Roda Oliveira. Andalucia's calendario laboral 2026, at the community level, had been announced and later gazetted in the Decreto 101/2025, de 14 de mayo, de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, por el que se determina el calendario de Fiestas Laborales de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía para el año 2026 as published in the BOJA de 19 de mayo de 2025
Andalucia Gaazettes 2026 Local Public Holidays Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) Spain's Autonomous Region of Andalucia has gazetted its calendar of 2026 local public holidays in the Resolución de 6 de octubre de 2025, de la Dirección General de Trabajo, Seguridad y Salud Laboral, por la que se publica la relación de fiestas locales de los municipios de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía para el año 2026 as published in the BOJA de 14 de octubre de 2025, and signed by the Director General of Andalucia's Dirección General de Trabajo, Seguridad y Salud Laboral, Luis Roda Oliveira. Andalucia's calendario laboral 2026, at the community level, had been announced and later gazetted in the Decreto 101/2025, de 14 de mayo, de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, por el que se determina el calendario de Fiestas Laborales de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía para el año 2026 as published in the BOJA de 19 de mayo de 2025
Guatemalan Bank Holiday October 20 Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (Guatemala City) The supervisory body in charge of the banking sector in Guatemala (the Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala or Sib) has announced that Monday, October 20, 2025, had been declared as a bank holiday in Guatemala, on account of the annual, Anniversary of the 1944 Revolution. As per the aforementioned announcement, all banking entities, including branches, agencies, financial companies, insurance companies, storage companies and exchange houses, will close their operations on Monday, October 20. The aforementioned announcement is in line with Article 8 of the Reglamento de Asuetos de las Instituciones Bancarias que operan en la República, and of the Normas sobre Cierres y Asuetos de las Compañías de Seguros y Finanzas.
Guatemalan Bank Holiday October 20 Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (Guatemala City) The supervisory body in charge of the banking sector in Guatemala (the Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala or Sib) has announced that Monday, October 20, 2025, had been declared as a bank holiday in Guatemala, on account of the annual, Anniversary of the 1944 Revolution. As per the aforementioned announcement, all banking entities, including branches, agencies, financial companies, insurance companies, storage companies and exchange houses, will close their operations on Monday, October 20. The aforementioned announcement is in line with Article 8 of the Reglamento de Asuetos de las Instituciones Bancarias que operan en la República, and of the Normas sobre Cierres y Asuetos de las Compañías de Seguros y Finanzas.
Malaysian Financial Market Holiday October 20 Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) Bursa Malaysia has announced that Malaysia's financial markets would be closed on Monday, October 20, 2025, "in conjunction with the Deepavali public holiday", but that "the stock exchange and its subsidiaries will resume operations on Tuesday, October 21". The Deepavali public holiday is observed as an annual state public holiday in all the Malaysian States and Federal Territories except Sarawak.
Malaysian Financial Market Holiday October 20 Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) Bursa Malaysia has announced that Malaysia's financial markets would be closed on Monday, October 20, 2025, "in conjunction with the Deepavali public holiday", but that "the stock exchange and its subsidiaries will resume operations on Tuesday, October 21". The Deepavali public holiday is observed as an annual state public holiday in all the Malaysian States and Federal Territories except Sarawak.
Myanmar Deepavali Public Holiday October 20 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The Office of the National Defense and Security Council of the government of Myanmar has announced the date of the upcoming Deepavali Day (ဒီပါဝလီနေ့) public holiday in the Order No 190/2025 issued by the State Security and Peace Commission. As per the aforementioned order, "Monday, October 20, 2025, corresponding to the 14th Waning Moon of Thadingyut in the year 1387, is Diwali Day" and "Deepavali Day on 20 October 2025 (Monday) will be proclaimed a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act", since "According to the Article 25 of the Transferable Contracts Act, it is declared a public holiday for offices within the Republic of the Union of Myanmar". 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 2025, initially released in July of 2024, and then later extended in December 2024 with 5 continuous public days (additional bridge public holidays) for the end of 2024 and the year 2025.
Myanmar Deepavali Public Holiday October 20 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The Office of the National Defense and Security Council of the government of Myanmar has announced the date of the upcoming Deepavali Day (ဒီပါဝလီနေ့) public holiday in the Order No 190/2025 issued by the State Security and Peace Commission. As per the aforementioned order, "Monday, October 20, 2025, corresponding to the 14th Waning Moon of Thadingyut in the year 1387, is Diwali Day" and "Deepavali Day on 20 October 2025 (Monday) will be proclaimed a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act", since "According to the Article 25 of the Transferable Contracts Act, it is declared a public holiday for offices within the Republic of the Union of Myanmar". 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 2025, initially released in July of 2024, and then later extended in December 2024 with 5 continuous public days (additional bridge public holidays) for the end of 2024 and the year 2025.
Vietnamese PM Approves Tet and National Day 2026 Public Holidays Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Government Office has announced that the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, had approved, in the Document No.9859/VPCP-KGVX, the draft plan of the Ministry of Home Affairs to have a 9-day Lunar New Year (Tết Bính Ngọ) holiday in 2026, making it the second consecutive year when the Tet public holidays will have lasted 9 days. The Prime Minister also agreed that the 2026 National Day holiday would last 5 days, from Saturday, August 29, 2026 to Wednesday, September 2, 2026. At the beginning of this month, the Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam had submitted a draft plan for the 2026 Binh Ngo Tet Lunar New Year public holidays, with only one option; from Saturday, February 14, 2026, until Sunday, February 22, 2025, inclusively. The following day, the Ministry of Home Affairs presented a draft plan for the full year public holidays of 2026, including a 5-day National Day with a compensatory working Saturday on August 22, 2026. In the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code.
Vietnamese PM Approves Tet and National Day 2026 Public Holidays Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Government Office has announced that the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, had approved, in the Document No.9859/VPCP-KGVX, the draft plan of the Ministry of Home Affairs to have a 9-day Lunar New Year (Tết Bính Ngọ) holiday in 2026, making it the second consecutive year when the Tet public holidays will have lasted 9 days. The Prime Minister also agreed that the 2026 National Day holiday would last 5 days, from Saturday, August 29, 2026 to Wednesday, September 2, 2026. At the beginning of this month, the Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam had submitted a draft plan for the 2026 Binh Ngo Tet Lunar New Year public holidays, with only one option; from Saturday, February 14, 2026, until Sunday, February 22, 2025, inclusively. The following day, the Ministry of Home Affairs presented a draft plan for the full year public holidays of 2026, including a 5-day National Day with a compensatory working Saturday on August 22, 2026. In the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code.
Yemen Declares October 14 Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has declared Tuesday, October 14, 2025, an official public holiday, to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the October 14 revolution. As per the aforementioned announcement, in accordance with Article (3), Paragraph (6) of the Official Vacations and Holidays Law No. (2) of 2000, Tuesday, October 14, 2025, will be an official holiday for "all employees in public service units and the mixed sector".
Yemen Declares October 14 Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has declared Tuesday, October 14, 2025, an official public holiday, to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the October 14 revolution. As per the aforementioned announcement, in accordance with Article (3), Paragraph (6) of the Official Vacations and Holidays Law No. (2) of 2000, Tuesday, October 14, 2025, will be an official holiday for "all employees in public service units and the mixed sector".
Bulgarian Day In Lieu Public Holidays Cancellation Update Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Labour and Social Policy Minister, Borislav Gutsanov, has stated that he was against the recent bill by Bulgaria's Democratic Bulgaria (DB) Party to abolish the declaration of day in lieu public holidays to compensate public holidays falling on a weekend day ("People are used to the fact that when public holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the first working day is a day off"). Recall that, earlier this week, the Democratic Bulgaria (DB) Party submitted a bill providing for the cancellation of the system whereby Monday is declared a day in lieu public holiday, whenever a fixed-date annual public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Since 2017, a day in lieu public holiday is declared in Bulgaria on the next Monday, whenever a fixed date public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Bulgarian Day In Lieu Public Holidays Cancellation Update Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Labour and Social Policy Minister, Borislav Gutsanov, has stated that he was against the recent bill by Bulgaria's Democratic Bulgaria (DB) Party to abolish the declaration of day in lieu public holidays to compensate public holidays falling on a weekend day ("People are used to the fact that when public holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the first working day is a day off"). Recall that, earlier this week, the Democratic Bulgaria (DB) Party submitted a bill providing for the cancellation of the system whereby Monday is declared a day in lieu public holiday, whenever a fixed-date annual public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Since 2017, a day in lieu public holiday is declared in Bulgaria on the next Monday, whenever a fixed date public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Gibraltar 2026 Public Holidays Amended Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, having seen the list of 2026 Gibraltar public holidays published earlier this week, instructed that the date of next year’s May Day Bank Holiday be changed to Friday, May 1st, 2026. As per Chief Minister Picardo, "May Day is, and has always been, celebrated on the 1st of May with the GSLP in office. The GSD changed the date and we were against that. That is why we restored the position when the GSLP/Liberals were first elected to office, and it remains our policy today", adding that "As soon as I was made aware of the error, I instructed that the Bank Holiday be corrected so that May Day next year will fall, as it should, on Friday 1st May". When the list of 2026 Gibraltar bank holidays was published on the Government website, earlier this week, we did mention that May Day being listed on Monday, May 4, 2026, was in contradiction with recent practices of the current government, and it was initially gazetted yesterday with that date, which has since been corrected, with the government website page for the Bank and Public Holidays Order 2025 mentioning "Last Update: 10 Oct 2025". Over the past decades, the manner in which the date of the Gibraltar May Day public holiday date is calculated has been a political ping pong. The date of May Day in Gibraltar was changed in 2002 to bring it in line with the UK's corresponding public holiday which is set for the first Monday in May, but it was set it back to May 1st from 2003-2006. Then, from 2007-2011, it was again changed to the first Monday in May. In 2012, it was changed back to May 1st.
Gibraltar 2026 Public Holidays Amended Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, having seen the list of 2026 Gibraltar public holidays published earlier this week, instructed that the date of next year’s May Day Bank Holiday be changed to Friday, May 1st, 2026. As per Chief Minister Picardo, "May Day is, and has always been, celebrated on the 1st of May with the GSLP in office. The GSD changed the date and we were against that. That is why we restored the position when the GSLP/Liberals were first elected to office, and it remains our policy today", adding that "As soon as I was made aware of the error, I instructed that the Bank Holiday be corrected so that May Day next year will fall, as it should, on Friday 1st May". When the list of 2026 Gibraltar bank holidays was published on the Government website, earlier this week, we did mention that May Day being listed on Monday, May 4, 2026, was in contradiction with recent practices of the current government, and it was initially gazetted yesterday with that date, which has since been corrected, with the government website page for the Bank and Public Holidays Order 2025 mentioning "Last Update: 10 Oct 2025". Over the past decades, the manner in which the date of the Gibraltar May Day public holiday date is calculated has been a political ping pong. The date of May Day in Gibraltar was changed in 2002 to bring it in line with the UK's corresponding public holiday which is set for the first Monday in May, but it was set it back to May 1st from 2003-2006. Then, from 2007-2011, it was again changed to the first Monday in May. In 2012, it was changed back to May 1st.
Sindh Declares October 20 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 Monday, October 20, 2025, as a provincial public holiday "for the Hindu community across the province in celebration of the Diwali festival". As per the aforementioned notification, "the public holiday will apply to both government and non-government institutions in Sindh, ensuring that members of the Hindu community in all sectors can fully participate in the festivities".
Sindh Declares October 20 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 Monday, October 20, 2025, as a provincial public holiday "for the Hindu community across the province in celebration of the Diwali festival". As per the aforementioned notification, "the public holiday will apply to both government and non-government institutions in Sindh, ensuring that members of the Hindu community in all sectors can fully participate in the festivities".
Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet Confirms Independence Public Holiday Date Permanent Secretary Ministry of Legal Affairs (St. John's) The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially confirmed that this year’s 44th Independence Day public holiday would be observed on Monday, November 3, 2025, in accordance with the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019, instead of Saturday, November 1, 2025. The aforementioned announcement highlights the following relevant excerpt from the Schedule of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019; namely "Independence Day: The first day of November in each year. When the first day of November falls on a Saturday or Sunday the following Monday shall be a public holiday and on that day shall be held all the official acts and activities in celebration of the anniversary of Independence". Initially, in September 2019, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced that it would submit a bill to parliament to remove Sundays from the definition of the list of public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda to "make it clear that Sundays are not to be treated like a holiday, thereby removing any uncertainty among employees and employers". However, the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019, as passed by the Lower House of Parliament and later the Senate, was an almost complete reversal of the bill's initially stated objectives, with section 12 of the final bill stating that "For the purpose of employment standards and labour relations, Section C14 (Public holiday leave) and C15 (Public holiday pay) of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code, Cap. 27 do not apply to Sundays, except one of the other public holiday falls on a Sunday". In its final version, as assented to by the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Rodney Williams, on December 27, 2019, and published in the Antigua and Barbuda Official Gazette Vol. XXXIX No. 90, dated 31st December, 2019, the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019 also included a clause relative to electoral public holidays, in point 11 of the updated public holidays schedule ("The day following a general election in Antigua and Barbuda"). Until then, the declaration of electoral public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda had been a one-off ad hoc affair.
Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet Confirms Independence Public Holiday Date Permanent Secretary Ministry of Legal Affairs (St. John's) The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially confirmed that this year’s 44th Independence Day public holiday would be observed on Monday, November 3, 2025, in accordance with the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019, instead of Saturday, November 1, 2025. The aforementioned announcement highlights the following relevant excerpt from the Schedule of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019; namely "Independence Day: The first day of November in each year. When the first day of November falls on a Saturday or Sunday the following Monday shall be a public holiday and on that day shall be held all the official acts and activities in celebration of the anniversary of Independence". Initially, in September 2019, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda announced that it would submit a bill to parliament to remove Sundays from the definition of the list of public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda to "make it clear that Sundays are not to be treated like a holiday, thereby removing any uncertainty among employees and employers". However, the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019, as passed by the Lower House of Parliament and later the Senate, was an almost complete reversal of the bill's initially stated objectives, with section 12 of the final bill stating that "For the purpose of employment standards and labour relations, Section C14 (Public holiday leave) and C15 (Public holiday pay) of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code, Cap. 27 do not apply to Sundays, except one of the other public holiday falls on a Sunday". In its final version, as assented to by the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Rodney Williams, on December 27, 2019, and published in the Antigua and Barbuda Official Gazette Vol. XXXIX No. 90, dated 31st December, 2019, the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2019 also included a clause relative to electoral public holidays, in point 11 of the updated public holidays schedule ("The day following a general election in Antigua and Barbuda"). Until then, the declaration of electoral public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda had been a one-off ad hoc affair.
Bulgaria To Declare 2 Public Holidays For Euro Adoption Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Council of Ministers has announced that, at the initiative of Finance Minister, Temenuzhka Petkova, it plans to declare Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026, as one-off public holidays in connection with Bulgaria’s upcoming adoption of the Euro as Bulgaria’s official currency starting January 1, 2026. As per Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, the declaration of these 2 public holidays "will allow for minimizing operational risks and will ensure the smooth and trouble-free flow of the euro transition process". The aforementioned proposal is included in a draft decision of the Council of Ministers, published on the Public Consultation Portal of the Government of Bulgaria. In the past, Bulgaria has declared one-off public holidays to coincide with its accession to international organizations. Recall that, in October 2006, Bulgaria's then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ivaylo Kalfin, announced that January 2, 2007, had been declared as a one-off public holiday, on the occasion of the upcoming accession of Bulgaria to the European Union. And, in March 2004, the Bulgarian Cabinet has announced that Friday, April 2, 2004, would be a one-off national public holiday to mark the official entry of Bulgaria into NATO. When Cyprus changed from the Cyprus pound to the Euro, on January 1, 2008, that date was also declared a one-off special bank holiday by the Central Bank to ensure a smooth changeover. On the contrary, when the Euro became legal tender in Slovakia, on Thursday, January 1st, 2009, that date was declared a regular working day for Slovakian banks, despite it being New Year's Day.
Bulgaria To Declare 2 Public Holidays For Euro Adoption Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Council of Ministers has announced that, at the initiative of Finance Minister, Temenuzhka Petkova, it plans to declare Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026, as one-off public holidays in connection with Bulgaria’s upcoming adoption of the Euro as Bulgaria’s official currency starting January 1, 2026. As per Finance Minister Temenuzhka Petkova, the declaration of these 2 public holidays "will allow for minimizing operational risks and will ensure the smooth and trouble-free flow of the euro transition process". The aforementioned proposal is included in a draft decision of the Council of Ministers, published on the Public Consultation Portal of the Government of Bulgaria. In the past, Bulgaria has declared one-off public holidays to coincide with its accession to international organizations. Recall that, in October 2006, Bulgaria's then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ivaylo Kalfin, announced that January 2, 2007, had been declared as a one-off public holiday, on the occasion of the upcoming accession of Bulgaria to the European Union. And, in March 2004, the Bulgarian Cabinet has announced that Friday, April 2, 2004, would be a one-off national public holiday to mark the official entry of Bulgaria into NATO. When Cyprus changed from the Cyprus pound to the Euro, on January 1, 2008, that date was also declared a one-off special bank holiday by the Central Bank to ensure a smooth changeover. On the contrary, when the Euro became legal tender in Slovakia, on Thursday, January 1st, 2009, that date was declared a regular working day for Slovakian banks, despite it being New Year's Day.
Cape Verde Extends October 13 Public Holiday Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) As expected, today's Official Gazette of Cape Verde (Official Bulletin No.95, Series I of 09-10-2025) contains the Resolution No.107/2025, declaring October 13 as a public sector holiday on the date of the upcoming qualifier game against eSwatini for the 2026 World Cup. However, contrary to what was announced initially, the Gazette entry of the has the October 13th public holiday being observed throughout the country, and not just on the island of Santiago ("A day off is granted throughout the national territory to employees and agents of the State, Public Institutes and Local Authorities, starting at 12:00 pm on Monday, October 13th"). Recall that, yesterday, the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, José Ulisses Correia e Silva, announced a public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) on the main island of Santiago on Monday, October 13, 2025, on account of the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier game between Cape Verde and eSwatini. Last month, the government of Cape Verde had similarly issued the Resolution No. 90/2025 in the Boletim Oficial n.º 83, 1.º Suplemento, I Série de 05-09-2025 declaring an afternoon public sector holiday on the main island of Santiago on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on account of the then upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier game against Cameroon.
Cape Verde Extends October 13 Public Holiday Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) As expected, today's Official Gazette of Cape Verde (Official Bulletin No.95, Series I of 09-10-2025) contains the Resolution No.107/2025, declaring October 13 as a public sector holiday on the date of the upcoming qualifier game against eSwatini for the 2026 World Cup. However, contrary to what was announced initially, the Gazette entry of the has the October 13th public holiday being observed throughout the country, and not just on the island of Santiago ("A day off is granted throughout the national territory to employees and agents of the State, Public Institutes and Local Authorities, starting at 12:00 pm on Monday, October 13th"). Recall that, yesterday, the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, José Ulisses Correia e Silva, announced a public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) on the main island of Santiago on Monday, October 13, 2025, on account of the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier game between Cape Verde and eSwatini. Last month, the government of Cape Verde had similarly issued the Resolution No. 90/2025 in the Boletim Oficial n.º 83, 1.º Suplemento, I Série de 05-09-2025 declaring an afternoon public sector holiday on the main island of Santiago on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on account of the then upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier game against Cameroon.
Cuba Clarifies October 10 Public Holiday Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) Cuba's Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (MTSS) has announced the labor regulations that will govern the upcoming October 10 public holidays, a day declared a national public holiday in commemoration of the beginning of the Cuban wars of independence, as per Article 94 of Law 116. As usual, Article 94 of Law 116 exempts certain strategic sectors from mandatory public holiday recess; urgent agricultural activities such as the sugar harvest, continuous production industries, non-deferrable loading and unloading, transportation services, hospitals and medical care, pharmacies, fuel stores, funeral homes, cemeteries, lodging services, tourist centers, communications and radio and television broadcasting, basic public services, fishing activities, and others authorized by law.
Cuba Clarifies October 10 Public Holiday Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) Cuba's Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (MTSS) has announced the labor regulations that will govern the upcoming October 10 public holidays, a day declared a national public holiday in commemoration of the beginning of the Cuban wars of independence, as per Article 94 of Law 116. As usual, Article 94 of Law 116 exempts certain strategic sectors from mandatory public holiday recess; urgent agricultural activities such as the sugar harvest, continuous production industries, non-deferrable loading and unloading, transportation services, hospitals and medical care, pharmacies, fuel stores, funeral homes, cemeteries, lodging services, tourist centers, communications and radio and television broadcasting, basic public services, fishing activities, and others authorized by law.
Gibraltar 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) The Government of Gibraltar has gazetted the Bank And Public Holidays Order 2025 (LN. 2025/247), which specifies the official list of Gibraltar bank holidays and public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 ("In exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 2(3) of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act and by section 58 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, and of all other enabling powers, the Government has made the following Order"). As per the aforementioned order, "This Order may be cited as the Bank and Public Holidays Order 2025" and "It is hereby declared that holidays set out in the Schedule shall be Bank and Public Holidays in the year 2026". Recall that the Government of Gibraltar released an unofficial list of 2026 bank holidays and public holidays, earlier this week.
Gibraltar 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) The Government of Gibraltar has gazetted the Bank And Public Holidays Order 2025 (LN. 2025/247), which specifies the official list of Gibraltar bank holidays and public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 ("In exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 2(3) of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act and by section 58 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, and of all other enabling powers, the Government has made the following Order"). As per the aforementioned order, "This Order may be cited as the Bank and Public Holidays Order 2025" and "It is hereby declared that holidays set out in the Schedule shall be Bank and Public Holidays in the year 2026". Recall that the Government of Gibraltar released an unofficial list of 2026 bank holidays and public holidays, earlier this week.
Rajasthan's UFBU Calls For October 21 Bridge Public Holiday Government of Rajasthan (Jaipur) The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has urged the Government of India's State of Rajasthan to declare Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as a bank holiday, in conjunction with the already gazetted public holidays of Monday, October 20 (Deepavali), Wednesday, October 22 (Govardhan Puja), and Thursday October 23 (Bhai Dhuj). The declaration of a one-off bank holiday on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, would be an important amendment to the list of 2025 public holidays in Rajasthan as set out in last October's vide notification No. 6(1)SA.PV/6/ 2024-3592.
Rajasthan's UFBU Calls For October 21 Bridge Public Holiday Government of Rajasthan (Jaipur) The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has urged the Government of India's State of Rajasthan to declare Tuesday, October 21, 2025, as a bank holiday, in conjunction with the already gazetted public holidays of Monday, October 20 (Deepavali), Wednesday, October 22 (Govardhan Puja), and Thursday October 23 (Bhai Dhuj). The declaration of a one-off bank holiday on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, would be an important amendment to the list of 2025 public holidays in Rajasthan as set out in last October's vide notification No. 6(1)SA.PV/6/ 2024-3592.
Kazakhstan Rules-Out December 31 Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a statement concerning the possibility of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, being declared a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned statement, "In order to uphold citizens’ constitutional right to rest while also considering the social and economic interests of the majority of the working population, we do not consider it advisable to designate December 31 as a public holiday.". More to the point, the Ministry argues that "Employers may shorten the workday on December 31 at their discretion" and that, in any event, "Declaring December 31 a public holiday would require changes to the law and government-level approval". Recall that, last December, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population had issued a similar statement concerning the possible declaration of Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a one-off public holiday, stating that "We consider the approval of December 31 as a day off to be inappropriate. At the same time, we note that the ministry is not an authorized body for establishing national and state holidays. The ministry's competence only includes the approval of a list of professional holidays, which in turn are not days off.". While requests for the declaration of a public holiday on December 31 comes back, year after year, it has rarely been declared as such. The 2 recent exceptions being 2007 and 2018 when the Monday, December 31, public holiday was compensated by the declaration of Saturday, December 29, as a regular working day.
Kazakhstan Rules-Out December 31 Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a statement concerning the possibility of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, being declared a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned statement, "In order to uphold citizens’ constitutional right to rest while also considering the social and economic interests of the majority of the working population, we do not consider it advisable to designate December 31 as a public holiday.". More to the point, the Ministry argues that "Employers may shorten the workday on December 31 at their discretion" and that, in any event, "Declaring December 31 a public holiday would require changes to the law and government-level approval". Recall that, last December, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population had issued a similar statement concerning the possible declaration of Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a one-off public holiday, stating that "We consider the approval of December 31 as a day off to be inappropriate. At the same time, we note that the ministry is not an authorized body for establishing national and state holidays. The ministry's competence only includes the approval of a list of professional holidays, which in turn are not days off.". While requests for the declaration of a public holiday on December 31 comes back, year after year, it has rarely been declared as such. The 2 recent exceptions being 2007 and 2018 when the Monday, December 31, public holiday was compensated by the declaration of Saturday, December 29, as a regular working day.
Sint Maarten Declares October 10 Public Holiday Due To Tropical Storm Jerry Government of Sint Maarten (Great Bay) The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Luc Mercelina, has declared a public sector holiday on Friday, October 10, 2025, as a precautionary measure in anticipation of the expected impact from Tropical Storm Jerry's passage in the next 24 hours. Today's announcement thus amends the list of 2025 Sint Maarten public holidays as released by the Labour Department last autumn, based on the National Ordinance regulating Work, Working Hours and Overtime (Arbeidsregeling).
Sint Maarten Declares October 10 Public Holiday Due To Tropical Storm Jerry Government of Sint Maarten (Great Bay) The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Luc Mercelina, has declared a public sector holiday on Friday, October 10, 2025, as a precautionary measure in anticipation of the expected impact from Tropical Storm Jerry's passage in the next 24 hours. Today's announcement thus amends the list of 2025 Sint Maarten public holidays as released by the Labour Department last autumn, based on the National Ordinance regulating Work, Working Hours and Overtime (Arbeidsregeling).
Uttarakhand Declares October 10 Public Holiday For Karva Chauth Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's State Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has declared Friday, October 10, 2025, as a public holiday for women employees working in government and non-government offices, government establishments, and educational institutions, across the state, on account of Karva Chauth. The aforementioned declaration of a public sector holiday on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No.1958/xxxi(15)G/24-74/2016 of last December, and in which Thursday, October 2, 2025, was listed as a double public holiday for Vijayadashami and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday. Himachal Pradesh is the only other Indian state or union territory to observe Karva Chauth as a public holiday in 2025, also only for women employees.
Uttarakhand Declares October 10 Public Holiday For Karva Chauth Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's State Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has declared Friday, October 10, 2025, as a public holiday for women employees working in government and non-government offices, government establishments, and educational institutions, across the state, on account of Karva Chauth. The aforementioned declaration of a public sector holiday on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No.1958/xxxi(15)G/24-74/2016 of last December, and in which Thursday, October 2, 2025, was listed as a double public holiday for Vijayadashami and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday. Himachal Pradesh is the only other Indian state or union territory to observe Karva Chauth as a public holiday in 2025, also only for women employees.
Bulgaria Mulls Cancellation Of Day In Lieu Public Holidays Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Democratic Bulgaria (DB) Party has submitted a bill providing for the cancellation of the system whereby Monday is declared a day in lieu public holiday, whenever a fixed-date annual public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. As per the sponsor of that bill, MP Yordan Yavorov Ivanov, "There is no logic in having Monday as a day off when March 3rd or May 6th fall on a Saturday". For many years, Bulgaria used to declare one-off bridge public holidays, in an ad hoc fashion, whenever a public holiday fell on a Tuesday or a Thursday, to be compensated by the declaration of the same number of working Saturdays. Then, in 2009, the Bulgarian Council of Ministers began to systematize this in its annual list of regular non-working public holidays for the coming calendar year. But, in October 2016, Bulgaria's Minister of Labour, Zornitca Rusinova, announced that the system of declaring Monday and Friday one-off public holidays, would be dropped, to be replaced by a system whereby a day in lieu public holiday would be declared on the next Monday, whenever a public holiday fell on a Saturday or Sunday. These changes were approved by Bulgaria's Parliament in a second and final reading, in late December 2016, effective immediately for 2017 public holidays.
Bulgaria Mulls Cancellation Of Day In Lieu Public Holidays Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Democratic Bulgaria (DB) Party has submitted a bill providing for the cancellation of the system whereby Monday is declared a day in lieu public holiday, whenever a fixed-date annual public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. As per the sponsor of that bill, MP Yordan Yavorov Ivanov, "There is no logic in having Monday as a day off when March 3rd or May 6th fall on a Saturday". For many years, Bulgaria used to declare one-off bridge public holidays, in an ad hoc fashion, whenever a public holiday fell on a Tuesday or a Thursday, to be compensated by the declaration of the same number of working Saturdays. Then, in 2009, the Bulgarian Council of Ministers began to systematize this in its annual list of regular non-working public holidays for the coming calendar year. But, in October 2016, Bulgaria's Minister of Labour, Zornitca Rusinova, announced that the system of declaring Monday and Friday one-off public holidays, would be dropped, to be replaced by a system whereby a day in lieu public holiday would be declared on the next Monday, whenever a public holiday fell on a Saturday or Sunday. These changes were approved by Bulgaria's Parliament in a second and final reading, in late December 2016, effective immediately for 2017 public holidays.
Cape Verde Declares October 13 World Cup 2026 Public Holiday Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) The Prime Minister of Cape Verde, José Ulisses Correia e Silva, has announced another public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) on the main island of Santiago on Monday, October 13, 2025, on account of the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier game between Cape Verde and eSwatini. As per the aforementioned announcement, "On the 13th, for the game against Eswatini, the Government grants a day off in Santiago, starting at 12:00 (14:00 in Lisbon), so that our team has the greatest support ever". Recall that, last month, the government of Cape Verde had similarly issued the Resolution No. 90/2025 in the Boletim Oficial n.º 83, 1.º Suplemento, I Série de 05-09-2025 declaring an afternoon public sector holiday on the main island of Santiago on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on account of the then upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier game against Cameroon.
Cape Verde Declares October 13 World Cup 2026 Public Holiday Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) The Prime Minister of Cape Verde, José Ulisses Correia e Silva, has announced another public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) on the main island of Santiago on Monday, October 13, 2025, on account of the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier game between Cape Verde and eSwatini. As per the aforementioned announcement, "On the 13th, for the game against Eswatini, the Government grants a day off in Santiago, starting at 12:00 (14:00 in Lisbon), so that our team has the greatest support ever". Recall that, last month, the government of Cape Verde had similarly issued the Resolution No. 90/2025 in the Boletim Oficial n.º 83, 1.º Suplemento, I Série de 05-09-2025 declaring an afternoon public sector holiday on the main island of Santiago on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, on account of the then upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier game against Cameroon.
Croatia Marks Parliament Day Government of the Republic of Croatia (Zagreb) The Government of Croatia is marking the October 8 Parliament Day with Parliament Vice President Željko Reiner and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković attending ceremonies and issuing statements. Before 2020, October 8 was observed as the annual Independence Day non-working public holiday in Croatia. In 2012, the Government of Croatia had announced that it was considering the elimination of 3 annual non-working public holidays; the Feast of Corpus Christi (late May or early June), the Anti-Fascist Resistance Day (June 22), and the National Day (June 25). But, for years, nothing came of this announcement. Then, in the autumn of 2019, the Croatian government introduced amendments to the Croatian law on public holidays to declare a new Vukovar Remembrance Day national non-working public holiday in Croatia, shift the dates of the Independence Day and Statehood Day holidays of Croatia, and make both these dates regular working days, pledging that "the number of public holidays will not increase and will remain at 13 which is important from the economic aspect, because of the impact on the economy, GDP growth and everything that entails". These amendments were incorporated into the Law on Holidays, Remembrances and Non-working Days in the Republic of Croatia (Zakon o blagdanima, spomendanima i neradnim danima u Republici Hrvatskoj), which was signed into law by the then president of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, in November 2019.
Croatia Marks Parliament Day Government of the Republic of Croatia (Zagreb) The Government of Croatia is marking the October 8 Parliament Day with Parliament Vice President Željko Reiner and Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković attending ceremonies and issuing statements. Before 2020, October 8 was observed as the annual Independence Day non-working public holiday in Croatia. In 2012, the Government of Croatia had announced that it was considering the elimination of 3 annual non-working public holidays; the Feast of Corpus Christi (late May or early June), the Anti-Fascist Resistance Day (June 22), and the National Day (June 25). But, for years, nothing came of this announcement. Then, in the autumn of 2019, the Croatian government introduced amendments to the Croatian law on public holidays to declare a new Vukovar Remembrance Day national non-working public holiday in Croatia, shift the dates of the Independence Day and Statehood Day holidays of Croatia, and make both these dates regular working days, pledging that "the number of public holidays will not increase and will remain at 13 which is important from the economic aspect, because of the impact on the economy, GDP growth and everything that entails". These amendments were incorporated into the Law on Holidays, Remembrances and Non-working Days in the Republic of Croatia (Zakon o blagdanima, spomendanima i neradnim danima u Republici Hrvatskoj), which was signed into law by the then president of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, in November 2019.
Gibraltar 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) The Government of Gibraltar has published an unofficial list of 2026 bank holidays and public holidays. The date of the Workers' Memorial Day Holiday and of the newer Winter Midterm Bank Holiday are set on the expected dates, although both holidays are likely to change from one year to the next, and we are still awaiting the official Bank and Public Holidays Order 2025. However, May Day is listed as falling on Monday, May 4, 2026, in contradiction with recent practices of the current government. Over the past decades, the manner in which the date of the Gibraltar May Day public holiday date is calculated has been a political ping pong. The date of May Day in Gibraltar was changed in 2002 to bring it in line with the UK's corresponding public holiday which is set for the first Monday in May, but it was set it back to May 1st from 2003-2006. Then, from 2007-2011, it was again changed to the first Monday in May. In 2012, it was changed back to May 1st.
Gibraltar 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) The Government of Gibraltar has published an unofficial list of 2026 bank holidays and public holidays. The date of the Workers' Memorial Day Holiday and of the newer Winter Midterm Bank Holiday are set on the expected dates, although both holidays are likely to change from one year to the next, and we are still awaiting the official Bank and Public Holidays Order 2025. However, May Day is listed as falling on Monday, May 4, 2026, in contradiction with recent practices of the current government. Over the past decades, the manner in which the date of the Gibraltar May Day public holiday date is calculated has been a political ping pong. The date of May Day in Gibraltar was changed in 2002 to bring it in line with the UK's corresponding public holiday which is set for the first Monday in May, but it was set it back to May 1st from 2003-2006. Then, from 2007-2011, it was again changed to the first Monday in May. In 2012, it was changed back to May 1st.
Pakistan Declares October 20 Optional Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced that Monday, October 20, 2025, would be observed as an optional public holiday for the Hindu community to celebrate Diwali. As per the aforementioned official notification, Monday, October 20, 2025, will be observed as an optional holiday for all Hindu employees across federal government offices, public institutions, and organizations.
Pakistan Declares October 20 Optional Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced that Monday, October 20, 2025, would be observed as an optional public holiday for the Hindu community to celebrate Diwali. As per the aforementioned official notification, Monday, October 20, 2025, will be observed as an optional holiday for all Hindu employees across federal government offices, public institutions, and organizations.
Bihar Changes Date Of Diwali 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-01/2024-19025/SA which changes the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday from Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to Monday, October 20, 2025. The vide notification No.3/H-01/2024-19025/SA thus further amends the terms of the Government vide notification No.3/ HO-01/2024-15764/ SA of October 2024 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Bihar for the calendar year 2025.
Bihar Changes Date Of Diwali 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-01/2024-19025/SA which changes the date of the upcoming Diwali public holiday from Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to Monday, October 20, 2025. The vide notification No.3/H-01/2024-19025/SA thus further amends the terms of the Government vide notification No.3/ HO-01/2024-15764/ SA of October 2024 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Bihar for the calendar year 2025.
Azad Kashmir Declares October 8 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Muzaffarabad) The General Administration Department of the Government of the Pakistani Province of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced the declaration of a public holiday on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in memory of the victims of the 2005 earthquake. As per the aforementioned announcement, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, AJK government offices will observe a general holiday.
Azad Kashmir Declares October 8 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Muzaffarabad) The General Administration Department of the Government of the Pakistani Province of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced the declaration of a public holiday on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in memory of the victims of the 2005 earthquake. As per the aforementioned announcement, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, AJK government offices will observe a general holiday.
Seychelles Declare October 11 Public Holiday State House Office of the President of the Seychelles (Victoria) The President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, has signed the Public Holidays (No.2) Order, 2025 which declares the date of the upcoming runoff presidential election as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned gazette publication S.I. 77 of 2025, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 of the Public Holidays Act, the President makes the following Order ... The 11 day of October, 2025 shall be observed as a public holiday in Seychelles.". This follows last month's inconclusive presidential election, in which no outright winner emerged, leading to the Seychelles electoral authority to announce a rerun vote between the two main contenders. The date of major elections are often declared as public holidays in the Seychelles. At the beginning of last month, President Ramkalawan similarly signed the Public Holidays Order, 2025, published in the gazette publication S.I. 60 of 2025, which declared the date of the 2025 Presidential and National Assembly elections, Saturday, September 27, 2025, as a one-off public holiday. The date of the preceding Presidential and National Assembly elections in the Seychelles, Saturday, October 24, 2020, was also declared a one-off public holiday by then President, Danny Faure. This was followed, a month later, by the declaration of Monday, October 26, 2020, also as a one-off public holiday. Saturday, December 5, 2015, was also declared as a one-off non-working public holiday in the Seychelles, on account of the 2015 presidential election. Saturday, May 21, 2011, was declared as a one-off public holiday on account of the Presidential election taking place on that day. And Saturday, May 12, 2007, was declared a public holiday on account of that year's National Assembly election.
Seychelles Declare October 11 Public Holiday State House Office of the President of the Seychelles (Victoria) The President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, has signed the Public Holidays (No.2) Order, 2025 which declares the date of the upcoming runoff presidential election as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned gazette publication S.I. 77 of 2025, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 of the Public Holidays Act, the President makes the following Order ... The 11 day of October, 2025 shall be observed as a public holiday in Seychelles.". This follows last month's inconclusive presidential election, in which no outright winner emerged, leading to the Seychelles electoral authority to announce a rerun vote between the two main contenders. The date of major elections are often declared as public holidays in the Seychelles. At the beginning of last month, President Ramkalawan similarly signed the Public Holidays Order, 2025, published in the gazette publication S.I. 60 of 2025, which declared the date of the 2025 Presidential and National Assembly elections, Saturday, September 27, 2025, as a one-off public holiday. The date of the preceding Presidential and National Assembly elections in the Seychelles, Saturday, October 24, 2020, was also declared a one-off public holiday by then President, Danny Faure. This was followed, a month later, by the declaration of Monday, October 26, 2020, also as a one-off public holiday. Saturday, December 5, 2015, was also declared as a one-off non-working public holiday in the Seychelles, on account of the 2015 presidential election. Saturday, May 21, 2011, was declared as a one-off public holiday on account of the Presidential election taking place on that day. And Saturday, May 12, 2007, was declared a public holiday on account of that year's National Assembly election.
California Governor Signs Diwali State Holiday Into Law California State Assembly (Sacramento) California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law the Assembly Bill No.268 which amends existing legislation by adding Diwali to the list of California state holidays, beginning in 2026. As per Assembly Bill No.268, the date of California's Diwali will be defined as "the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year", apparently more than 15 days later than either the definition of southern India's Deepavali (on Asvina krisna chaturdasi) or northern India's Diwali (on Asvina amavasya). This odd definition of the date of Californian Diwali might be explained by Section 1 of Assembly Bill No.268 which indicates that this new state holiday is meant to address not only Hindus, but also the Bandi Chhor Divas of Sikhs, the Ashok Vijayadashami of Buddhists, and the anniversary of the attainment of moksha by Mahavira for Jains. California's Assembly approved Bill No.268 by a 78-0 vote on June 2, 2025, and the Senate endorsed it by 36-0 (with four abstentions) on September 10, 2025, the Assembly giving its concurrence the next day. The US State of Pennsylvania recognized Diwali as a public holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut in 2025.
California Governor Signs Diwali State Holiday Into Law California State Assembly (Sacramento) California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law the Assembly Bill No.268 which amends existing legislation by adding Diwali to the list of California state holidays, beginning in 2026. As per Assembly Bill No.268, the date of California's Diwali will be defined as "the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year", apparently more than 15 days later than either the definition of southern India's Deepavali (on Asvina krisna chaturdasi) or northern India's Diwali (on Asvina amavasya). This odd definition of the date of Californian Diwali might be explained by Section 1 of Assembly Bill No.268 which indicates that this new state holiday is meant to address not only Hindus, but also the Bandi Chhor Divas of Sikhs, the Ashok Vijayadashami of Buddhists, and the anniversary of the attainment of moksha by Mahavira for Jains. California's Assembly approved Bill No.268 by a 78-0 vote on June 2, 2025, and the Senate endorsed it by 36-0 (with four abstentions) on September 10, 2025, the Assembly giving its concurrence the next day. The US State of Pennsylvania recognized Diwali as a public holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut in 2025.
