Under the Explanation to Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Central Act XXVI of 1881) read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.20-25/26/Pub.I, dated 8-6-1957, the State Governments of various states are required to declare that in addition to Sundays expressly defined as Public Holidays in the said “Explanation” the other days that shall be observed as Holidays in the their State during the year.

The State government of Andhra Pradesh has notified following days/festivals as general holidays during 2011.

The General Administration Department has issued a GO listing the general/optional holidays.

The list of general holidays is as follows:

The State government of Andhra Pradesh has notified 20 days/festivals as general holidays during 2009. The General Administration Department has issued GO 6685 listing the general/optional holidays.

The list of general holidays is as follows:

Muharram(Jan.1),

Bhogi (Jan.13),

Sankranti/Pongal (Jan.14),

Republic Day (Jan.26),

Mahasivaratri (Feb.23),

Milad-un-Nabi (March 10),

Holi (March 11),

Ugadi (March 27),

Sri Ramanavami (April 3),

Good Friday (April 10),

B.R. Ambedkar’s birthday (April 14),

Sri Krishna Ashtami (Aug.14),

Independence Day (Aug.15),

Ramzan, Id-ul-Fitr (Sept.21),

Durga Asthami (Sept.26),

Vijaya Dasimi (Sept.28),

Gandhi Jayanti (Oct.2),

Deepavali (Oct.17),

Bakrid, Id-ul-Zuha (Nov. 28),

Christmas (Dec.25).

An official release said the government has directed all offices under it should remain closed on all Sundays and second Saturdays during 2009.

The government also listed three festivals which occur on Sunday, optional holidays, besides festivals which occur on second Saturday and Sunday.

The GO said if there is any change in the date in respect of Id-ul-Fitr, Muharram and Id-e-Milad, as per sighting of the moon or any holiday declared now, would be announced through TV/AIR/newspapers.