Chhath Puja is one of the most significant festivals in India, primarily celebrated by people from the Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal regions. During this time, devotees offer prayers to the Sun God for health, prosperity, and the well-being of their family members. Since this festival requires active participation in rituals, many people seek leave from their workplaces or educational institutions. A leave application for Chhath Puja is an essential way to formally request time off. This article provides a detailed understanding of Chhath Puja, how to write a leave application, and sample applications for various contexts.
What Is Chhath Puja?
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Usha. It is celebrated with great reverence in northern India, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, and among the Indian diaspora worldwide. The festival spans four days and involves various rituals, including fasting, bathing in holy rivers, and offering ‘Arghya’ (offerings) to the setting and rising Sun. The festival is seen as a time for purification and thanksgiving, where devotees express gratitude to the Sun God for providing energy and sustenance.
The four-day festival includes:
- Nahay Khay: The first day involves cleaning and purifying oneself.
- Lohanda and Kharna: Devotees fast for the whole day and break it with a special meal.
- Suryast Arghya: The third day includes offering prayers to the setting Sun.
- Suryodaya Arghya: The final day involves offering prayers to the rising Sun.
Since it is a deeply rooted cultural and religious observance, taking leave during this time is crucial for those wishing to participate fully in the rituals.
How to Write a Leave Application for Chhath Puja:
Writing a leave application for Chhath Puja is quite similar to writing a general leave application, with the added detail of mentioning the specific festival and its significance. Here’s a brief guide on how to write one:
- Subject Line: State the purpose of your leave request clearly.
- Salutation: Start with a formal greeting, addressing the relevant authority.
- State Your Request: Mention the dates you intend to take leave and the reason for it.
- Reason: Be brief yet clear about why you need to leave (Chhath Puja).
- Closing: End with a polite closing statement expressing gratitude for considering your request.
11 Samples of Leave Application for Chhath Puja:
The following section includes 11 different samples of leave applications for Chhath Puja. These templates cover various scenarios, such as casual leave, sick leave, and personal leave requests. By using these samples, employees and students can effectively communicate their need for time off during this important festival.
Sample 1:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request casual leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to celebrate Chhath Puja with my family. The festival is an important cultural and religious occasion for us. I kindly request your approval for the mentioned dates.
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Download The Sample In MS Word File
Sample 2:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am requesting sick leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] due to health reasons. I will be participating in the Chhath Puja celebrations with my family. I kindly request you to grant me leave for the said period.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample 3:
Mr. Principal,
[Institution Name]
[Institution Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I would like to request leave from school from [Start Date] to [End Date] in order to celebrate Chhath Puja with my family. This festival holds great significance for us, and I would appreciate your understanding and approval of my leave request.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Class & Section]
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Sample 4:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am requesting leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to celebrate the festival of Chhath Puja with my family. As the festival is important to me and my culture, I would be grateful if you could grant me leave for these dates.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Download The Sample In MS Word File
Sample 5:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request a half-day leave on [Date] to prepare for the Chhath Puja celebrations with my family. I will be available for work in the morning and plan to leave by [Time].
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample 6:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to observe the religious practices associated with Chhath Puja. This is an important festival for my family, and I kindly request your approval for my leave.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Download The Sample In a MS Word File
Sample 7:
Mr. Principal,
[Institution Name]
[Institution Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I request leave from school from [Start Date] to [End Date] to celebrate Chhath Puja. This festival is an important part of my cultural practices, and I would be grateful for your permission to be absent during these days.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Class & Section]
Download The Sample In MS Word File
Sample 8:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request a short-term leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] for the celebration of Chhath Puja. As the rituals are of great importance, I would appreciate your approval for this leave.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Download The Sample In MS Word File
Sample 9:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am requesting leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to observe the religious rituals of Chhath Puja. This is an important time for me to connect with my family and celebrate together. I hope you will consider my request favorably.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
Download The Sample In MS Word File
Sample 10:
The Manager,
[Company’s Name]
[Company Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Manager’s Name],
Due to unforeseen circumstances related to the Chhath Puja rituals, I need to take emergency leave from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I request your understanding and approval for this leave during this important time.
I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Download The Sample In MS Word File
Sample 11:
Mr. Principal,
[Institution Name]
[Institution Address]
Subject: Leave Application for Chhath Puja
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I wish to apply for leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] for the observance of Chhath Puja with my family. This festival is of significant cultural and religious importance, and I seek your permission to be absent during these days.
Thank you for being so supportive.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Class & Section]
Download The Sample In MS Word File
Conclusion:
A well-written leave application for Chhath Puja allows employees and students to communicate their need for time off effectively. It is important to keep the tone formal, specify the reason for leave, and ensure all necessary details are provided. By following the structure outlined in this article, individuals can make a respectful and concise request to their employer or educational institution.
FAQ:
Q. How far in advance should I submit a leave application for Chhath Puja?
A. It is advisable to submit your leave application at least 7 to 10 days in advance. This gives your employer or educational institution enough time to review and approve your request, especially if the dates overlap with peak holiday seasons.
Q. Is it necessary to mention that the leave is for Chhath Puja in the application?
A. Yes, mentioning the festival in your leave application is important as it clarifies the reason for your leave. Festivals like Chhath Puja are culturally significant, and providing this detail will help your request be considered with understanding.
Q. Can I apply for leave during Chhath Puja if my company follows a strict leave policy?
A. Even if your company has a strict leave policy, cultural and religious observances like Chhath Puja are often respected. Be sure to follow the procedure for applying for leave, whether it’s casual, sick, or paid leave, and submit the application with sufficient notice.
Q. Should I submit any documents with my leave application for Chhath Puja?
A. Typically, a formal leave application does not require supporting documents. However, if your organization or school requests proof of the festival, you can attach a letter from your family or community leader, though this is rare.
Q. Can I request a half-day leave for Chhath Puja celebrations?
A. Yes, if you do not require full-day leave, you can request a half-day leave for Chhath Puja preparations or rituals. Be sure to specify the timing and reason clearly in your application.
Q. What if my leave application for Chhath Puja is denied?
A. If your leave request is denied, you can try discussing the matter with your supervisor or HR to explore alternative options, such as swapping shifts or using earned leave days. It’s also a good idea to make a polite request, explaining the cultural significance of the festival.
Q. Can I take leave for multiple days during Chhath Puja?
A. Yes, since Chhath Puja lasts for several days, you can request leave for the entire duration. Just be sure to mention the exact dates in your application and explain the importance of the festival to your family.
Q. Is it possible to take Chhath Puja leave even if I work from home?
A. If you work remotely, you can still request leave for Chhath Puja. Clearly communicate your unavailability during the festival days, as remote work doesn’t necessarily negate the need for time off to observe religious rituals.
Q. How should I handle leave if I am a student attending school or college during Chhath Puja?
A. For students, it is recommended to apply for leave well in advance, especially during examination periods. Be sure to provide a formal request to your principal or teacher explaining the significance of Chhath Puja and request permission for leave.
Q. Can my employer or school ask me to provide proof for my Chhath Puja leave?
A. Generally, employers and educational institutions do not require proof for religious or cultural holidays, but policies may vary. If they do request documentation, you can provide a brief explanation or a family letter confirming the need for leave to observe the festival.
Q. What happens if I need to take emergency leave for Chhath Puja?
A. In the case of emergency leave, such as sudden family needs during the festival, you should inform your employer or school immediately. A short explanation of the situation is usually sufficient, and most employers will be understanding, especially for cultural events like Chhath Puja.