Uttarakhand: Congress media in-charge Rajiv Maharshi demanded to declare public holiday on Chhath Puja

Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress media in-charge and chief media coordinator Rajiv Maharishi has urged Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami that the demand made by the Bihari Mahasabha to declare November 8 as a public holiday for Chhath Puja should be considered with sympathy.

In a statement issued here today, Rajiv Maharishi said that in the past, a one-day public holiday has been declared on Chhath Puja. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, imbued with the culture of unity in diversity, has respected all the regional cultures of India. For decades, the Bihari community has been a partner in the reconstruction of Uttarakhand and there is no such example that this community has behaved in any unpleasant way. There has always been an opportunity to respect all cultures and let them flourish in Devbhoomi. This time the Bihari Mahasabha is disappointed with the non-declaration of a public holiday on Chhath Puja, and that is why the Mahasabha has given a representation to the government.

Maharshi said that the point of discussion is that people observing 36 hours of Nirjala fast will face extreme inconvenience in contributing to government or private establishments. Maharshi said that 36 hours Nirjala fast, which is an important part of Chhath Puja, has started from today and this folk festival will conclude on Friday after offering Arghya to Surya Narayan at 8:00 am. In that situation, people will face inconvenience in contributing to the office or establishment immediately after 9:00 am. Therefore, declaring 8 November as a public holiday will be in public interest. Maharshi requested the Chief Minister to take action on this matter of public importance.