Mahashivaratri Holiday: Optional Day Off for Employees, Students on Feb 16

• State government declares February 16 as an optional holiday for government employees and students due to Mahashivaratri.
• The decision was made as Mahashivaratri falls on Sunday, February 15, allowing devotees to rest after all-night vigils.
• A new GO was released by the General Administration Department, amending the previously issued holiday list.
• Andhra Pradesh schools also have an optional holiday on February 16, but 10th-grade pre-final exams will proceed.
• Headmasters and teachers are required to attend schools on February 16 to conduct examinations.