Holiday Announced in Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan has professed Monday, 20 October 2025 as an optional holiday on account of Diwali / Deepavali — the festival of lights observed by the Hindu community. This decision is in line with Pakistan’s practice of recognizing optional holidays for minority communities to celebrate their religious festivals. Below you will find complete, up-to-date information about this holiday: who it applies to, how it will be observed, legal status, significance, schedule, and more.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Holiday / Occasion | Diwali / Deepavali 2025 |
| Date | 20 October 2025 (Monday) |
| Type | Optional holiday (for Hindu community) |
| Applies to | Federal government offices, institutions, public organizations (for Hindu employees) |
| Non-Hindu / Essential Offices | Offices may remain open if duties are essential |
| Official Document | Government circular / Cabinet Division holiday list |
| Holiday Status in Calendar | Listed as optional holiday in official holiday lists |
Diwali Holiday Announced in Pakistan 2025 – Official Notification
What the Government Circular Says
According to the official break list available by the Cabinet Division of Pakistan, 20 October 2025 (Monday) is chosen as Diwali / Deepavali and marked as an optional holiday.
TimeandDate also lists Diwali / Deepavali 2025 in Pakistan on 20 October as an optional holiday.
Who Is Eligible for the Holiday?
- The holiday is primarily granted to Hindu employees in federal government departments, public institutions, and organizations.
- In departments where essential services must continue (e.g. health, security, utilities), offices may remain open.
- Employees in the private sector may also observe this holiday if their employer permits — but it is not a mandatory holiday for everyone.
Offices Open vs Closed
- Closed (for Hindu employees): Federal & public institutions that follow optional holiday policy.
- Open: Offices with critical operations or non-Hindu staff who are not observing the optional holiday.
- It is advised to verify with your department or human resources to see if your specific office will observe the holiday.
The Significance of Diwali (Deepavali)
What Diwali Means
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. It symbolizes:
- The victory of light over darkness
- The triumph of good over evil
- The dispelling of ignorance through light and spiritual illumination
On this day, homes and temples are decorated with diyas (oil lamps), candles, rangoli, and colorful lights. Families gather for Lakshmi Puja, exchange gifts, share festive meals, and celebrate with joy.
Diwali in Pakistan
In Pakistan, Diwali is particularly significant for the Hindu communities living in Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and especially Karachi. Celebrations include:
- Lighting lamps and candles
- Prayers at temples
- Community gatherings and meals
- Greetings and visits among families
Even though Hindus are a minority, Pakistan has recognized Diwali as an optional holiday in its 2025 federal holiday list, reflecting respect for religious diversity.
Public & Optional Holidays in October 2025
The October 2025 Holiday Schedule
As per the Cabinet Separation’s Holiday Announced in Pakistan 2025 document, the elective holiday of Diwali / Deepavali is included.
TimeandDate’s list of Pakistan’s breaks for 2025 also demonstrations Diwali on 20 October as an elective break.
Here is a short list (for October) showing that holiday:
| Date | Day | Holiday / Occasion | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 October 2025 | Monday | Diwali / Deepavali | Optional Holiday |
This ensures that people planning work, travel, or events in October 2025 already know about this scheduled observance.
Legal & Social Implications of the Holiday
Optional vs Mandatory Holiday
- An optional holiday means the government allows a holiday for specific groups (here, the Hindu community) without shutting down every office.
- It is not mandatory for all employees — those who do not belong to the designated group usually report to work unless their employer declares closure.
- This system helps balance religious respect with continuity of essential services.
Why This Holiday Matters
- It acknowledges the religious and cultural rights of minorities in Pakistan.
- It fosters inclusivity and social harmony by allowing citizens to freely observe their festivals without conflict.
- It reflects a respect for diversity in Pakistan’s fabric.
Final Words & Advice
By Holiday Announced in Pakistan 20 October 2025 as an elective disruption for Diwali, the organization is upkeep a chi of unity, tolerance, and respect to Pakistan’s Hindu public. This break lets them to party their sacred centenary freely, while upholding normal processes anyplace else.
What You Should Do
- If you’re a Hindu government/public sector employee, check with your department whether you can take off.
- If you work in essential services (hospitals, utilities, security, etc.), your office may remain operational.
- For private employees, consult your employer’s holiday policy.
- To confirm the rank, always mention to the official holiday list from the Cabinet Separation.
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