New Delhi, Nov. 10 -- Residents of Uttar Pradesh's Chitrakoot district will get an extra day off on Tuesday as the district administration has declared a local public holiday for the Diwali Amavasya Mela. The decision comes amid preparations for the five-day religious fair, which draws large numbers of devotees to the pilgrimage town.

According to reports, District Magistrate (DM) Pulkit Garg issued an order declaring November 10 a holiday across the district. Government offices, schools and colleges will remain closed on Tuesday. Copies of the order have been circulated to all concerned departments, and officials have been warned of action for non-compliance.

The holiday has been announced to facilitate arrangements and activities rela...