Confederation demands Restricted holidays on Raksha Bandhan & Bhai Duj

The letter is sent by the Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers to the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on holidays to be observed at Central Government offices during the year 2024. The letter highlights the cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj, important festivals celebrated in Western and Northern India and requestes for the inclusion of "Raksha Bandhan and Bhal Duj " in the list of Optional Holidays.

"Bhai Dooj" and "Raksha Bandhan" are two important festivals, primarily focusing on the bond between brothers and sisters.

1. Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the strong bond between brothers and sisters. It usually falls on the full moon day in the month of Shravan (July or August) according to the Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, sisters tie a decorative thread called a "rakhi" around their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their love, protection, and the brother's commitment to care for his sister. In return, brothers give gifts or tokens of appreciation to their sisters and promise to protect them throughout their lives. This festival is marked by family gatherings, rituals, sweets, and a sense of unity among siblings.

2. Bhai Dooj: Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj or Bhau Beej, is another Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. It takes place on the second day after Diwali, which is the festival of lights. Bhai Dooj falls in the month of Kartika (October or November) according to the Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, sisters perform a ritual that involves applying a tilak (a mark) on their brothers' foreheads, praying for their well-being and long life. Just like Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj also involves exchanging gifts and spending time with family.

Both festivals emphasize the significance of the sibling relationship, love, and mutual respect. They showcase the cultural values of family unity and protection of one another. While Raksha Bandhan focuses more on the protective aspect of the brother-sister relationship, Bhai Dooj reinforces the bond and expresses good wishes for the brother's prosperity and longevity.

CONFEDERATION OF CENTRAL GOVT. EMPLOYEES & WORKERS
North Avenue New Delhi-110001
Website: www.confederationhq.blogspot.com
Email: confederationhg@gmail.com

Ref: Confd. /List of Holidays/2023

Dated — 16.08.2023

To

The Deputy Secretary.
Government of India
Ministry of personnel. public grievances and pensions.
(Department of Personnel and Training).

Sub: Holidays to be observed at Central Government offices during the year 2024.

Slr.
I would like to draw your kind attention towards OM dated 3rd July 2023. on the subject cited above.

Vide para 3.1 of the OM, list of 12 "Optional Holidays", are mentioned outof which 3 Holidays are to be selected by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee at state Capltal. It would be quite relevant to mention here that Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Duj are Important festivals of Western and Northern India and are celebrated with full fervour and  gaiety. 

Therefore. the Confederation of CGE& Workers requests you to kindly arrange to include festivals of "Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Duj " in the list of Optional Holidays in para 3.1, so that the same could be considered by the Central Government employees welfare coordination committee, which could be beneficial for Employees of Concerned States.

With regards,
Yours’SIncerely

(S. B. Yadav)
Secretary General