Schools, Government offices in Puducherry to remain closed on Diwali Eve

Puducherry [India], October 28 (ANI): The Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry has announced a holiday on October 30 for all government offices, including Public Sector Undertakings and educational institutions in the Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam regions of the Union Territory.
The official order states: "The Puducherry LG declares that Wednesday, 30th October, will be a holiday for all government offices, including Public Sector Undertakings and educational institutions (including professional colleges) in Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam on account of Deepavali Eve. November 16 (Saturday) will be a compensatory working day in lieu of this leave," it read.

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday for government offices, state public sector undertakings, schools, and colleges on November 1, the day after Diwali. This decision is intended to benefit students, parents, teachers, and government staff travelling to their native places for the festival. November 9 will be a compensatory working day to ensure academic and administrative schedules remain on track despite the post-Diwali holiday.
In addition, preparations are underway for a memorable Diwali celebration at the newly built Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Special lamps designed to protect the temple from stains and soot have been selected to illuminate the structure.

A retired Inspector General of Police has been appointed to oversee the decoration and lighting of lamps within the temple and its surroundings. The temple area has been divided into sections, each assigned to teams responsible for lighting, cleanliness, and decoration.
This year, Ayodhya will illuminate 55 ghats along the Sarayu River, with over two million lamps ready, according to sources. Preparations for the Deepotsav festival are in full swing, with plans to light over 2.5 million lamps during Diwali. (ANI)