On account of Dol Jatra or Holi Festivities, the Kamrup Metro District Administration has declared a local holiday on March 26, 2024.
As per a notification issued by the office of the Governor of Assam, all state government offices, educational institutes and financial institutions will remain closed on coming Tuesday.
However, emergency services will continue to function as usual.
“The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare local holiday on 26th March 2024 within the jurisdiction Kamrup (Metro) district on account of Dol Jatra/Holi festival,” an official notification issued by Assam Government on March 6 stated.
“All State Government offices, educational institutions within Kamrup (Metro) district will remain closed on the 26th March, 2024 on account of this local holiday,” it added.
“All financial institutions within Kamrup (Metro) district under Section 25 of N.I. Act, 1881 (XXIV of 1881) read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No 20/25/Pub-I dated 8th June 1957 will also remain closed on account of this local holiday,” it further added.
The Assam Police have appealed to all in the state not to violate safety norms like not mixing drinks and driving, driving and riding within the permissible speed limits among others, especially during Holi or Doul Utsav.
According to Hindu mythology, the festival of Holi marks the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king Hiranyakashyapu. The story goes that Hiranyakashyapu ordered his son Prahlad to stop worshipping Lord Vishnu whom he considered his nemesis but Prahlad refused. Consequently, the demon king asked his sister to kill Prahlad. Holika took Prahalad in her lap and sat in a bonfire as she had immunity to fire. However, while the demon princess was burned alive, Prahlad survived due to the blessing of Lorn Vishnu.
This year, Choti Holi or Holika Dahan falls on March 24. Meanwhile, Holi falls a day after on March 25. The Holika Dahan muhurat will begin at 11:13 pm on March 24 and end at 12:27 am on March 25. The muhurat will last for 1 hour and 14 minutes.
