Good News for Families Planning Extended Festive Breaks

(OT Webdesk)In a welcome development for working professionals across India, the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals may offer a rare opportunity for a five-week break—perfect for family reunions, travel, and personal rejuvenation.

With strategic leave planning around public holidays and weekends, employees could potentially enjoy an extended vacation without exhausting their annual leave quota.

This year, Diwali falls on October 20, followed closely by Chhath Puja on October 26.

By aligning casual leaves with weekends and optional holidays, many workers—especially in government and private sectors—can stretch their time off from mid-October to late November.

Travel agencies are already reporting a spike in bookings, with destinations like Goa, Kerala, and Uttarakhand seeing increased interest.

Employers are also being urged to accommodate flexible leave schedules to support work-life balance and employee well-being.

Experts suggest this extended break could boost domestic tourism and offer a much-needed mental health reprieve for India’s workforce.

However, they caution that essential services must maintain continuity, and organisations should plan staffing accordingly.