Two days off: Schools and government offices to remain closed tomorrow; Collector declares regional holiday in this district 

PATHANAMTHITTA: January 14, Wednesday, is a regional holiday in the Pathanamthitta district. The district collector has declared a holiday for schools and government offices in the district on the occasion of Makaravilakku Mahotsavam. Pathanamthitta was also included, while a holiday was declared for schools on Thursday on the occasion of Pongal. With this, schools in the district will get two consecutive days of holiday.

A holiday has been declared for all government offices and educational institutions in Pathanamthitta district tomorrow, which is Makaravilakku Day. There will be no change in the pre-scheduled public examinations and university examinations. The collector's order states that this holiday will not apply to employees working in essential services. The holiday was declared for schools in view of traffic restrictions and the rush of pilgrims reaching Sabarimala and the Thiruvabharanam route on Makaravilakku Day.

It was decided to give a holiday on Thursday in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad on the occasion of Pongal. Since Tamil Nadu is a neighbouring state, Pongal is celebrated with great importance in Kerala's border districts as well. It is in this context that these districts are being given a holiday. Holidays were given in six districts in previous years as well.