DEEPAVALI will fall on Oct 17, a Saturday, instead of on Sunday, Nov 15, as announced earlier.
The November date was announced last year, and was subject to confirmation when the Indian Almanac became available.
In a statement yesterday, the Manpower Ministry said the Hindu Endowments Board had advised that between mid-October and mid-November, there would be a rare occurrence of two 'no moon' days, known as Amavasai.
The tentative Nov 15 date for Deepavali, announced last year, was based on the second 'no moon' day.
The Indian Almanac has affirmed that the festival will fall on the first 'no moon' day, Oct 17, which has been declared a public holiday. Because of the change, Monday, Nov16 will no longer be a public holiday.
