Sunday Holiday Rumors Put To Rest As Government Confirms Two-Day Weekend Will Stay
The Government of Nepal has confirmed that there is no plan to cancel the Sunday public holiday, dismissing speculation that the country would soon return to a six-day workweek. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said the two-day weekend will continue for the foreseeable future, and no proposal has been prepared to change the existing arrangement.
The Government of Nepal has officially clarified that Sunday will continue to be a public holiday for government offices and educational institutions. The clarification came after widespread rumors suggested the two-day weekend might soon be withdrawn. Speaking on behalf of the government, spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said there is no decision, proposal, or ongoing preparation to end the Sunday holiday, meaning people can continue following the current weekend schedule without concern.
Why Were People Confused?
Over the past few days, reports and social media discussions claimed that the government was preparing to restore Sunday as a regular working day. The speculation quickly spread across different platforms, creating uncertainty among government employees, students, and the public. The latest government statement was issued specifically to dismiss those claims and reassure citizens that the current system remains unchanged.
How Did The Two-Day Weekend Begin?
Nepal introduced Saturday and Sunday as weekly public holidays for government offices and educational institutions in April 2026. The Cabinet adopted the measure during a period of fuel supply challenges and rising petroleum prices, aiming to reduce fuel consumption while improving administrative efficiency. At the same time, working hours for most government offices were extended from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days.
What Is The Current Position?
According to the government, the two-day weekend will remain in effect for the long term unless a future Cabinet decision says otherwise. Officials have emphasized that no formal discussion or preparation is currently underway to reverse the policy, putting an end to the recent speculation.
What Does This Mean For The Public?
For now, government employees, teachers, students, and citizens who rely on government services can continue planning around the existing Saturday-Sunday weekend. Unless the government officially announces a policy change in the future, the current holiday schedule will remain exactly as it is.
Published Yesterday in Politics