Fri Oct 11 00:09:16 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Declares Public Holiday for Navaratri Pooja
**Thiruvananthapuram**: The Kerala government has declared a public holiday on October 11th, Tuesday, to mark the Navaratri festivities. Initially, the holiday was announced for educational institutions only, but it has been extended to all government offices and banks as well.
The holiday has been declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, citing the significance of the Navaratri Pooja. This year, the pooja will be held on the evening of October 10th, as the Tithi (lunar day) for Durga Ashtami falls in the afternoon. This means the Ashtami pooja will be performed on the evening of the 10th, followed by Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami poojas on the 11th and 12th respectively. The Vijayadashami pooja will be held on the morning of October 13th.
The decision to declare a public holiday on the 11th was taken after a request from the National Teachers’ Union, who appealed to the Education Minister to grant an additional holiday. The Union highlighted the significance of the Navaratri celebrations and the need for a day off for everyone involved.
First Piper 