The Manpower Ministry (MOM) has released public holiday dates for 2014. There is no change in the usual celebration dates for New Year's Day, Labour Day, National Day and Christmas Day.

Next year, Chinese New Year celebrations will fall on Jan 31 and Feb 1, while Good Friday will be on April 18 and Vesak Day on May 13. Hari Raya Puasa is on July 28 while Hari Raya Haji is on Oct 5. Deepavali next year is slated to be on Oct 23, but is subject to change when Indian Almanac is available.

The dates for the 11 gazetted public holidays can be viewed on the Ministry's website at www.mom.gov.sg under employment practices.

In a statement on Wednesday, the MOM also noted that the Hindu Advisory Board has advised that Deepavali will fall on Nov 2 this year, instead of on Nov 3. As Nov 2 is a Saturday, the following Monday will not be a public holiday. Employees not required to work on Saturdays can claim a day off or compensation for that public holiday, if covered under the Employment Act.