Lucknow: It’s a perfect case of ideal timing. Beginning Thursday, the city breaks into a holiday mood. A five-day festive bonanza for schoolchildren and those in government sector.

    The holidays, which begin from Thursday on account of Vishwakarma Puja, will stretch up to Monday - if Eid falls on the day. Friday is a holiday on account of alvida namaz — the last Friday of Ramzan — and Saturday is Agrasen Jayanti. Add to this, Sunday, and you get another off. Eid would either be celebrated on Monday or Tuesday, so one more holiday is a certainty. In fact, some schools have already announced closure on both the days. “I am going to chill out... who would not like to make the most of this break,” said Akshat Sharma, a college student.

    Preempting the season of ‘chuttis’, some people already left Lucknow on Wednesday evening for outstation trips. Reeta and Amarjit Singh left for Basti to meet their parents. Amarjit, a government employee, said, “I had not been able to spend proper time with my parents during the previous trips. But, I hope to make for that this time.’’

    Charbagh railway station saw a heavy rush on Wednesday. Aparna Sinha, a resident of Indiranagar left for Haridwar along with her friends to rejuvenate in an ashram there. “Most working women find it difficult to move out given the household responsibilities. But since I’m free (after marrying off my only daughter) I can enjoy this break,” she said.

    However, those who cannot go out of station need not fret. Options galore within city as well. “One can use the long weekend to flip through books at the National Book Fair.... afterall books are a man’s best friend,” said Shikha Srivastava, who is doing the same.

Another option came in the form of a government order issued by the district magistrate. The DM has informed that markets and shopping complexes in the city will remain open during the weekend on account of Eid. Instead of the scheduled weekly off, the markets will remain closed on Wednesday (September 23). So, the hint is clear: go on a shopping spree this weekend.

Meanwhile, bankers association in the state informed that banks too will remain closed from September 17-21 on account of the holidays. However, if Eid falls on Tuesday, then banks will function on Monday. But, there is one relief: the ATMs will remain functional and will be refilled from time to time during the holidays. “...So, no need to worry for cash,” said Anil Srivastava, a bank official.

source: TOI