In a major administrative move ahead of Holi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday issued detailed directions to ensure smooth celebrations across the state. The instructions cover advance salary payments, revised office schedules, and extensive security planning to prevent any disruption during the festival. These directions apply to all state government departments and district administrations across Uttar Pradesh.
He made it clear that even minor lapses would not be accepted, issuing a clear directive to officials to ensure timely compliance and coordination at every level.
Salaries to Be Credited Before Festival
One of the key announcements focuses on timely salary payments. The government has directed that all state government employees must receive their salaries before Holi. The order also extends to outsourced personnel, contractual staff, sanitation workers, and other temporary employees working under state departments. Officials clarified that the directive covers employees under state government departments and state-run bodies, boards, and corporations wherever salary disbursal falls under state authority.
The move is aimed at ensuring that families, particularly lower-income workers, can celebrate the festival without financial stress. Authorities have been instructed to ensure there are no delays in processing payments.
Revised Work Schedule Announced
To balance administrative responsibilities with festive observances, the state government has adjusted its work calendar. February 28 (Saturday) will be observed as a full working day, while March 3 will be treated as a holiday. The official Holi break will run from March 2 to March 4. According to a government notification issued this week (dated February 27, 2026), the revised schedule has been formally communicated to all departments.
The change comes in view of a lunar eclipse coinciding with traditional Holi rituals in parts of the state, particularly in the Braj region. Officials indicated that the holiday alignment was finalized after consultations with religious scholars and local authorities to ensure that public observances remain in accordance with traditional practices.
Massive Security for Barsana’s Lathmar Holi
Preparations are also underway in Barsana town in Mathura district, which is globally known for its Lathmar Holi celebrations. According to a district administration and police briefing, around 4,000 security personnel have been deployed across multiple zones to manage the expected influx of devotees and tourists.
Senior civil and police officials have conducted on-site inspections to review arrangements. Over 150 CCTV cameras, drone monitoring systems, watchtowers, and plainclothes personnel will oversee crowd movement. Anti-hooligan squads and traffic diversion plans have also been implemented to maintain order and ensure smooth access to designated parking areas.
Focus on Discipline and Public Safety
The administration has emphasized that while Holi is a festival of joy, discipline and safety must remain priorities. Officers have been instructed to ensure respectful conduct, swift grievance redressal, and firm action against any disturbances.
Officials have been asked to submit compliance reports to the state secretariat to confirm that all directives have been implemented effectively across districts.
