There is good news for government employees in Uttar Pradesh. The state government has ordered schools and offices related to basic and secondary education to pay salaries and honorariums before Holi.
As per the order, salaries and pensions for February 2026 will be released on February 28, 2026. Usually, these payments are made in the first week of March, but this time they are being given earlier because of the Holi holidays.
This means millions of government employees in Uttar Pradesh will receive their salaries this week.
The official order was issued on Wednesday, February 25, by Director General of School Education Monica Rani. Similar orders are expected to be issued soon for other departments as well.
Strict instructions have been given to officials of the Basic and Secondary Education Departments to release the salaries of all officers, teachers, and staff working under them before March 2.
Holidays and Special Instructions for Payment
According to the Finance Department, March 2, 2026 is a public holiday for Holika Dahan and March 4, 2026 for Holi. Also, March 1 is a Sunday. Because of these holidays, the normal process of paying salaries and pensions could be affected.
To make sure employees do not face any problems with festival shopping and expenses, the government has decided—after getting the Governor’s approval—to provide this early payment as a Holi gift this year.
These instructions also apply to employees of the Midday Meal Authority and Directorate. The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all district magistrates and treasury officers to follow the order immediately so that salaries reach employees’ bank accounts before Holi.
There are about 18 lakh (1.8 million) government employees in Uttar Pradesh, and all of them are waiting to receive their salaries before the festival.
Holi 2026: Festival Details
Holi, the festival of colors, will be celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and the world in March 2026. It is considered the second biggest Hindu festival after Diwali and marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Holika Dahan is performed after sunset at an auspicious time, and Rangwali Holi (the festival of colors) is celebrated the next morning with colors and celebrations.
