Guwahati, Oct. 15: Dispur today announced a public holiday on Monday for Kati Bihu following demands from several quarters.

Earlier, the festival was a half-day holiday in government offices.

A statement issued by the chief minister's office said all government offices, revenue and magisterial courts and educational institutions would remain closed on Monday.

"Taking into consideration the ethos and spirit of Kati Bihu for the Assamese community, the chief minister has declared a government holiday so that everyone can unequivocally take part in Kati Bihu rituals," the statement said.

Kati Bihu is observed in mid-October and falls on the first day of the Assamese month of Kati during which people light earthen lamps in front of tulsi plants, granary, garden and paddy fields. It is not celebrated with merriment like the post-harvest festivals of Bohag Bihu and Magh Bihu. The state government declares holidays on Bohag and Magh Bihu.

The organisations representing government employees have been demanding full-day holiday on Kati Bihu. This year, too, a similar appeal was doing the rounds on social media for the past few days.

Today's announcement has made the employees happy.

"We welcome the government's announcement as Kati Bihu is as important as Magh Bihu and Bohag Bihu," said a health department employee.