Kathmandu, March 29

The Ministry of Home Affairs has fixed 100 public holidays, including 52 Saturdays, for the year 2074 BS (April 14, 2017-April 13, 2018).

According to a notice issued by the MoHA, there will be 48 public holidays other than Saturdays in 2074 BS. Of them, five holidays occur on Saturdays.

The public holidays will be applicable to government offices only.

Three public holidays (Teej, Rishi Panchami and Jitiya) are for women employees only, one (Basanta Panchami) is for academic institutions only whereas four holidays (Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra, Machchhendranath festival and Ghode Jatra) are meant for Valley only.

Similarly, Christmas holiday will be applicable for Christians only.

Two holidays (Siruwa Pawani and Dhawathambu Chheuchika) will be applicable only in districts where such festivals are observed.

New Year Day, Ubhauli/Chandi Purnima, Rakshya Bandhan/Nag Panchami, Gaura festival, Eid, Chhath, Bakra Eid, Yamari Punhi/Udhauli festival, Tamu Lhosar, Maghi festival, Sonal Lhosar, Mahashivaratri, Gyalbo Lhosar and Fagu Purnima have also been declared public holidays.

MoHA has fixed eight-day holiday for Dashain and three-day holiday for Tihar.

In addition, there will be a total of eight days of holiday for important national and international days such as International Workers’ Day, Republic Day, Civil Service Day (for civil servants only), Constitution Day, International Day of People with Disability (only for civil servants with disabilities), Martyrs’ Day, National Democracy Day and International Women’s Day.

As per the ministry, there will be six birth anniversary holidays —  Buddha Jayanti, Krishna Janmasthami, Guru Nanak Jayanti (only for government employees from Shikh community), Falgunananda Jayanti (only for government employees from Kirat community), Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti (only for government employees from Jain community.

Employees associated with emergency and essential services may take leave in lieu as they are required to provide essential services even during public holidays.