Tue Nov 12 03:45:08 UTC 2024: ## Diwali Holidays Extended: 9 Districts in Madhya Pradesh to Observe Holiday on Dev Diwali

**Indore, November 04:** Following the extended Diwali break, nine districts in Madhya Pradesh will observe a holiday on November 12th, coinciding with Dev Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Dev Diwali. This decision was announced by the district collectors of Indore, Ratlam, Sagar, Betul, Bhind, Chhindwara, Satna, Maihar, and Umaria on Monday.

According to the order, schools, colleges, and government offices will remain closed on November 12th. Ratlam Collector Rajesh Bathm officially declared the day as a local holiday, while earlier, the state government had announced a public holiday on November 1st for Govardhan Puja, which was subsequently revoked by Ratlam authorities.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi, marking the end of the four-month Chaturmas period, traditionally signals the beginning of auspicious occasions and marriage season. This year, the date is particularly significant as it marks the commencement of 40 auspicious wedding muhurats in the next eight months. However, no wedding muhurats fall on Dev Uthani Ekadashi or on Basant Panchami, celebrated on February 2nd.

The state government has empowered district collectors to declare a maximum of three local holidays per year, which are separate from the public holidays announced by the state. The holidays are declared in the best interest of the public to mark local festivals and celebrations.

**Key Points:**

* Dev Uthani Ekadashi, observed as Dev Diwali, will be a holiday in 9 districts of Madhya Pradesh.
* Schools, colleges, and government offices will be closed on November 12th.
* The holiday marks the beginning of auspicious occasions and the wedding season.
* While there are 40 auspicious muhurats in the next 8 months, none fall on Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Basant Panchami.
* District collectors are permitted to declare up to three local holidays per year in addition to public holidays.

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