UP CM Yogi Adityanath Announces 3-Day Holi Holiday, Orders Advance Salary Payment
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared a three-day holiday from March 2 to March 4 for all state government employees on the occasion of Holi.
According to the official order, salaries of all state government employees will be disbursed before the festival to ensure smooth celebrations. However, all state government offices will remain open and function normally on Saturday, February 28.
The directive applies not only to regular government staff but also to outsourced workers, contractual employees, and sanitation workers. The Chief Minister emphasized that wages for every category of worker must be released ahead of the festival to prevent any financial difficulties.
As per the 2026 holiday calendar, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 2, while Holi will be celebrated on March 4. The announcement was confirmed by Principal Secretary (General Administration) SVS Ranga Rao, referencing the government order issued on November 17, 2025.
Additionally, March 3 has been declared a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, in view of Holi.
The Chief Minister issued these instructions on Friday after returning to Lucknow from his four-day visit to Singapore and Japan. He stated that the international tour would create new opportunities for Uttar Pradesh’s industrial development.
During the visit, the state government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹1.5 lakh crore and received investment proposals exceeding ₹2.5 lakh crore. More than 60 meetings and events were attended during the tour, including investment roadshows in Singapore, Tokyo, and Yamanashi to promote Uttar Pradesh as a major business destination.
The Chief Minister also warned that any delay or negligence in processing payments would invite strict action.
