On November 23, 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a public holiday on November 25, 2025 — a Tuesday — to honor the 350th martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur. The decision, confirmed by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor’s office on November 22, will close all government offices, schools, and colleges in the national capital. The move isn’t just administrative; it’s a solemn tribute to a man who gave his life defending religious freedom. "Delhi stands witness to the historic sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose courage redefined the meaning of resistance," Gupta tweeted on November 23, adding that a solemn gathering will be held at Lal Qila from November 23 to 25. But here’s the twist: while Delhi and Uttar Pradesh observe the holiday on the 25th, neighboring states have set it on the 24th — creating a patchwork of closures across North India.
Why the Date Discrepancy?
The confusion stems from the lunar calendar. Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed on November 11, 1675, in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. The anniversary is traditionally observed on the 11th of the Hindu month of Kartik — which, in 2025, falls on November 24. But the Uttar Pradesh Government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, initially scheduled the holiday for the 24th before revising it to the 25th. "We wanted to align with Delhi’s observance to ensure consistency in the NCR region," said Manish Chauhan, Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department, in an official order issued on November 22. The change caught many schools off guard. Parents in Noida and Ghaziabad are now scrambling to confirm whether their children’s institutions will be closed on the 24th or 25th.
State-by-State Holiday Map
The holiday isn’t uniform. Uttarakhand has declared November 24 a state-wide holiday for all educational institutions — public and private. Punjab and Haryana are also observing it on the 24th, following the traditional lunar date. Meanwhile, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have chosen the 25th — a Monday-to-Tuesday shift that may affect weekend travel plans. Even banks are affected: Reserve Bank of India guidelines classify this as a gazetted holiday in Delhi and UP, meaning all banking services will be suspended on the 25th. In contrast, Punjab’s banks remain open on the 25th but closed on the 24th. "It’s a mess for commuters," said Anjali Mehta, a Delhi-based mother of two. "My daughter’s school says 25th, but her cousin’s in Ghaziabad says 24th. Who do we believe?"
Historical Roots of the Observance
Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom wasn’t just a religious event — it was a political act of defiance. In 1675, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb forced Hindus in Kashmir to convert to Islam. The Guru, then traveling through northern India, intervened. He declared that if the emperor could convert him, the people would follow. He was arrested, tortured, and publicly beheaded in Chandni Chowk. His sacrifice directly led to the formation of the Khalsa by his son, Guru Gobind Singh, and became a cornerstone of Sikh identity. "He didn’t die for his own faith alone," says Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a historian at Delhi University. "He died so others could practice theirs. That’s why this day transcends religion — it’s about the right to dissent, the right to belief." Schools in Delhi are now planning assemblies, poetry recitals, and documentary screenings to teach students this legacy. But some private institutions, especially in NCR, haven’t updated their calendars yet — leaving parents in limbo.
Impact on Families and Businesses
The staggered dates have created logistical headaches. Daycare centers, tuition hubs, and private coaching institutes are caught in the crossfire. In Noida, a chain of 12 tuition centers received conflicting orders — some from the state government, others from the school board. "We’re closing on the 25th, but our neighbors are closed on the 24th. Parents are calling us confused," said Ravi Kapoor, owner of EduCare Learning Center. Meanwhile, e-commerce delivery services like Amazon India and Flipkart have announced normal operations in Punjab and Haryana but delayed deliveries in Delhi and UP on the 25th. "We’re treating it like a national holiday in those zones," a logistics spokesperson confirmed. For working parents, the uncertainty means rearranging childcare, taking unpaid leave, or even calling in sick — a hidden cost of a symbolic holiday.
What’s Next?
Advocates are pushing for a uniform national date. "This shouldn’t be a state-by-state lottery," said Harjit Singh, president of the National Sikh Council. "Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy belongs to all of India — not just to administrative convenience." The central government has yet to issue a unified directive, though the Ministry of Culture is reportedly reviewing the matter. For now, families must check local notifications. And while the holiday honors sacrifice, its implementation reveals how deeply bureaucracy still shapes memory. The real tribute? Not just a day off — but a shared understanding of why it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will banks be closed on November 25, 2025?
Yes, banks in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will be closed on November 25, 2025, as it’s a gazetted public holiday under RBI guidelines. However, banks in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand will remain open on the 25th since those states observe the holiday on the 24th. Always confirm with your local branch.
Why are some states observing the holiday on the 24th and others on the 25th?
The traditional date falls on November 24, based on the lunar Kartik month. But Delhi and Uttar Pradesh shifted it to the 25th to align with the Gregorian calendar and avoid overlapping with the weekend. This decision was made for administrative convenience, though it’s sparked confusion among families in the NCR region.
Are private schools required to close?
In Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, private schools are strongly encouraged to close on November 25, but not legally mandated. In Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana, private institutions must close on November 24 as per state orders. Many schools are still updating their notices — parents should confirm directly with their institutions.
What events are planned for the anniversary?
Delhi will host a three-day commemoration at Lal Qila, including prayers, historical exhibitions, and youth poetry recitals. In Punjab, Nagar Kirtans (religious processions) will be held on the 24th. Uttar Pradesh plans community langars and school assemblies focused on Guru Tegh Bahadur’s principles of courage and religious pluralism.
Is this holiday only for Sikhs?
No. While rooted in Sikh history, the holiday honors Guru Tegh Bahadur’s defense of religious freedom for all communities — including Hindus in Kashmir. The Delhi and UP governments explicitly frame it as a tribute to universal values of sacrifice and human rights, not sectarian observance.
Will public transport run normally?
Delhi Metro and DTC buses will operate on a reduced schedule on November 25, with extra services near historical sites like Lal Qila and Sis Ganj Sahib. In Noida and Ghaziabad, transport will follow the 25th schedule. But in Punjab and Haryana, services will run normally on the 25th and reduce on the 24th. Check local transit apps for real-time updates.
