The Assam government has declared a Kamrup Metro holiday on November 9, 2026, to mark the Diwali festival. The decision will provide residents of the district with an additional day off following the festival, which falls on Sunday, November 8.
According to an official notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), state government offices and educational institutions across Kamrup Metropolitan district will remain closed on Monday. Financial institutions will also observe the holiday under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
Kamrup Metro Holiday Announced by Assam Government
The state government announced the local holiday following an order issued by the Governor of Assam. The General Administration Department released the notification on Thursday, November 5, formally declaring November 9 a holiday within the jurisdiction of Kamrup Metropolitan district.
The decision specifically covers state government offices and educational institutions operating within the district. Consequently, government employees and students in the district will not have to attend their respective workplaces or institutions on Monday.
Moreover, the notification extends the holiday to financial institutions. This means banking-related operations covered by the relevant provisions will also remain suspended for the day.
The government issued the order to allow people in the district to observe Diwali, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. The announcement also provides clarity for government departments, educational establishments and financial institutions planning their schedules around the festival.
Which Institutions Will Remain Closed on November 9?
The Kamrup Metro holiday will apply to several categories of institutions under the state government’s notification.
These include:
- State government offices within Kamrup Metropolitan district.
- Educational institutions operating within the district.
- Financial institutions covered by the relevant notification under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
However, the notification specifically refers to state government offices and educational institutions. It does not establish a blanket closure for every private establishment or workplace in the district.
Therefore, employees and students associated with private organisations should check directly with their respective institutions before making plans.
Additionally, people intending to visit banks should plan their transactions accordingly. Since financial institutions will observe the holiday, customers may need to complete important banking work before November 9.
The local holiday is limited to Kamrup Metropolitan district under this particular Assam government order. It should not automatically be treated as a separate holiday announcement covering every district in the state.
Diwali 2026 Falls on Sunday, November 8
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated across India on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The festival holds religious and cultural significance for millions of people and symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
The festival is traditionally observed on Kartik Amavasya, the new moon night of the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity associated with wealth and prosperity, and Lord Ganesha during the celebrations.
Meanwhile, preparations for the festival have already begun in different parts of Assam. Dhanteras, which traditionally marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities, was observed on November 6.
Markets generally witness increased activity during this period as families purchase household items, gifts, sweets and decorative materials. Homes and commercial establishments also prepare for the celebrations with traditional lamps, colourful decorations and lights.
Moreover, Lakshmi Puja remains one of the central religious observances associated with Diwali. Families organise prayers and rituals to seek prosperity and happiness for the coming year.
According to the published panchang timings for New Delhi, the Lakshmi Puja muhurat on November 8 will run from 5:54 pm to 7:50 pm. However, religious timings may differ depending on the location.
Why November 9 Has Been Declared a Local Holiday
The decision to declare November 9 a local holiday follows the timing of this year’s Diwali celebrations. Since the main festival falls on Sunday, the Assam government has provided an additional holiday on Monday for Kamrup Metropolitan district.
The arrangement will allow government employees, students and other eligible groups to observe the festival without regular institutional commitments on the following day.
Furthermore, the inclusion of financial institutions under the holiday order is significant for banking operations. The notification refers to Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, along with the relevant Union Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated June 8, 1957.
This provision provides the legal basis for declaring holidays for financial institutions under the applicable notification framework.
The decision also highlights the state government’s provision for declaring additional local holidays when circumstances and regional requirements warrant such arrangements.
Residents Advised to Plan Their Activities Accordingly
The Kamrup Metro holiday announcement is particularly relevant for residents who have official, educational or banking commitments on November 9.
Government employees and students can plan their schedules around the additional day off. Similarly, banking customers should consider completing time-sensitive transactions before the holiday.
However, people should not assume that every private office, business or commercial establishment will remain closed. Individual organisations may follow their own holiday policies.
Residents should also check with their respective schools, colleges and workplaces for any separate instructions concerning the festival period.
Overall, the Assam government’s decision provides an additional opportunity for people in Kamrup Metropolitan district to celebrate Diwali with their families. With the main festival falling on Sunday, the November 9 holiday will extend the festive break for eligible institutions and employees.
The notification brings clarity to the district’s holiday schedule and allows government offices, educational institutions and financial establishments to make the necessary arrangements ahead of the celebrations.
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