The Government of Tamil Nadu has declared Monday, 9 November 2026, the day following Diwali, as a local holiday across the State for government offices, public sector undertakings, schools, colleges and all educational institutions.
The decision was issued through G.O. (1D) No. 547, Public (Miscellaneous) Department, dated 28 October 2026.
As Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, the additional holiday is intended to help students, parents, teachers and government employees travel to their hometowns, celebrate the festival and return conveniently.
Key particulars
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
State | Tamil Nadu |
Issuing authority | Public (Miscellaneous) Department |
Government Order | G.O. (1D) No. 547 |
Order date | 28 October 2026 |
Additional local holiday | Monday, 9 November 2026 |
Compensatory working day | Saturday, 28 November 2026 |
Establishments covered | Government offices, public sector undertakings, schools, colleges and all educational institutions throughout Tamil Nadu |
Negotiable Instruments Act status | The order expressly states that this is not a holiday declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 |
What does the order require?
The offices and institutions covered by the order must observe the additional local holiday on 9 November. To compensate for this holiday, 28 November 2026 will be a working day for those covered by the order.
District Collectors have also been instructed to arrange for district treasuries and sub-treasuries to function with specified staff to attend to urgent business.
Does this automatically apply to every private employer?
The order expressly identifies the categories covered. It should therefore not be treated as a blanket direction requiring every private factory, shop or commercial establishment in Tamil Nadu to close.
Private employers outside the listed categories should review their applicable holiday requirements, approved holiday calendar, employment terms and any separate directions before deciding their holiday arrangements. Educational institutions should note that the order refers to all educational institutions.
Similarly, this order alone should not be relied upon to announce a statewide bank holiday, since it expressly excludes a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881.
Action points for HR and administration
Update the holiday and attendance calendar for covered offices and institutions.
Communicate both the 9 November holiday and the 28 November compensatory working day.
Adjust duty rosters, scheduled activities and administrative appointments.
Retain the Government Order with the holiday circular for reference.
For other private establishments, confirm applicability before changing holiday or payroll treatment.