Lawmakers, government servants and bank officials are set to get an extended holiday this weekend courtesy a series of events that commences from March 22.
While there would be a holiday on March 22 because of the Bihar Divas celebrations, banks and offices will remain closed on March 23 and 24 because of Holi festival. Good Friday will be celebrated on March 25 while banks will remain closed on March 26 and March 27 being the fourth Saturday and fourth Sunday, respectively.
Lawmakers will enjoy a weeklong holiday, as both the Assembly and the Council will remain closed from March 21 to March 27. Bureaucrats can enjoy a vacation from March 22 to March 27, as the secretariat will remain closed during this period. As the secretariat remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays, March 19 and 20 can also be treated as part of the vacation.
Deputy chief minister Tejaswi said he was planning a trip with his family during the vacation. "Since July last year, I have not taken a single holiday and remained busy with the Assembly elections and formation of the new government. After that, I was busy with the functioning of the government. However, the plan has yet not been finalised," he said.
Sources close to Tej Pratap said the minister was planning to take out time for his favourite pastime - horse riding. RJD chief Lalu Prasad's elder son last year rode a horse from his parent's home to his official residence during Christmas.
Secretary of art, culture and youth affairs Vivek Kumar Singh has planned Holi celebrations with his friends and family members. "On the day of Holi, I have decided to play Holi with my friends and relatives," said the IAS officer. "I will take out my scooter and not the four-wheeler. I organise crossword competitions since a long time and it is one of my favourite hobbies. However, I have not been able to devote quality time to the same, as I could not manage time for the same. Hence, I have decided to make good use of this holiday and frame few crossword puzzles. It's my passion and I love doing this."
He however said he has yet not sunk in the vacation mood and needs to wrap up a few assignments on hand first. He has to attend a meeting in Delhi on March 22 regarding the Namami Gange Project. "Though March 22 happens to be a holiday for bureaucrats, I am looking forward to take part in the Namami Gange project's meeting. As per the project we have to carry out plantation drive along the Ganga," he added
Agriculture production commissioner Vijoy Prakash has also decided to spend the festival of colours with his family and friends. "We don't celebrate it in a grand manner but the festival assumes significance as I get to meet my friends and spend quality time with them. However, neither my son nor my daughters will be able to celebrate it with us this time. While Nupur is in United States, Surbhi is in Singapore and Himadri in Mumbai. We will interact with them over Skype. We will share the pictures with them later."?
Vijoy said he also has plans to finish work on his book on Hindi poems and another on mathematics. "I am designing a special type of card that will help children learn mathematics in a creative way," added Vijoy.
Bankers have different plans for the vacation. A senior State Bank of India official requesting anonymity, said: "I have plans to visit my paternal home in Siwan. I have not been able to visit them this year."
