Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that Friday (August 28) will be a public holiday in light of Raksha Bandhan across Himachal PradeshEarlier, only women employees would get off on the occasion, while men continued to workThis will change from this year.
Published: August 27, 2026, 8:58 PM IST
Share Article
https://www.india.com/news/india/raksha-bandhan-2026-sukhu-led-himachal-govt-announces-holiday-free-hrtc-rides-for-women-8511516/
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu gets a ‘Rakhi’ tied on his wrist by Brahmakumari sisters ahead of the Raksha Bandhan festival in ShimlaPTI
Himachal Pradesh will observe a public holiday on August 28 for Raksha Bandhan, the state government announced on ThursdayGovernment offices, schools and colleges will remain shutChief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the holiday in the Legislative Assembly, saying Raksha Bandhan celebrates the sacred bond between siblings, and the decision was taken to ensure that sisters do not have to rush in the morning to reach their brothers.
Earlier, only women employees would get off on the occasion, while men continued to workThis year, however, all government employees will get a holiday so that families can celebrate the festival together, officials saidAll government offices, schools and colleges in the state will remain closed on Friday, they said.
The chief minister said the aim of this decision is to ensure brothers are not compelled to leave early in the morning for school or work on the festival dayThe Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has also announced free travel for women in ordinary buses across the state on August 28.
The facility will be available from sunrise to sunset, according to a circular issued by the corporationThe move will enable women to travel to their brothers’ homes and return by government buses without paying any fare, the officials saidGovernor Kavinder Gupta and Chief Minister Sukhu extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Also Read | Raksha Bandhan 2026: When is Rakhi? Check date, shubh muhurat, bhadra kaal, and significance
Gupta said the festival symbolises the bond of love, affection, trust and mutual respect between brothers and sisters and reflects values of care, responsibility and protection that strengthen the family and societySukhu said Raksha Bandhan celebrates the enduring bond between brothers and sisters and wished that the festival would bring happiness, prosperity and peace to every household in the state.
