Delhi is all set to host one of the biggest diplomatic gatherings of the year which is the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit from September 11 to 13. With foreign leaders, senior officials and delegations arriving in the city, Delhi will see increased security, traffic diversions and restrictions.For residents and tourists, the biggest question is: Is September 11 a holiday in Delhi?The answer is Yes.Here’s everything you need to know:A holiday
official notice
The Delhi government has declared Friday, September 11, 2026, a holiday for its government offices, and public sector undertakings. The central government offices located in Delhi and New Delhi will also remain closed.The decision has been taken to facilitate the extensive logistical and security arrangements required for the BRICS Summit. September 12 and 13 are Saturday and Sunday, respectively.Are schools also closed on September 11 in Delhi
India ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.
Yes. The holiday also extends to schools under the Delhi Directorate of Education. The order covers government, government-aided and recognised unaided private schools. Offices functioning under the Directorate of Education will also observe the holiday.For families visiting Delhi, this means September 11 could feel like an unusually quiet weekday in some areas.Why is Delhi facing restrictions?The summit is centred on Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan. The summit will see participation of world leaders and senior representatives from BRICS member and partner countries. The security will remain high across the country.Delhi Police has prepared an extensive security and traffic plan. More than 35 roads and 22 diversion points are expected to be affected. Some of the important roads mentioned in traffic advisories include:
- Sardar Patel Marg
- Janpath
- Mathura Road
- Shanti Path
- Ashoka Road
- Barakhamba Road
- Tolstoy Marg
- Niti Marg and several roads around central and south Delhi.
The arrangements are designed around the movement of VIP convoys.What does it mean for tourists?For tourists, the bigger issue on September 11 may not be whether an attraction is technically open, but whether you can comfortably reach it.What is closed in Delhi on September 11?Central government offices: Central government offices in Delhi and New Delhi will remain closed.Delhi government offices: Offices under the Delhi government, along with its autonomous bodies and PSUs, will also remain closed.Schools: Government, government-aided and recognised private schools under the Directorate of Education will remain closed.Directorate of Education offices: These will also remain closed.Banks: Banks are expected to remain open on September 11.Note: The government holiday does not automatically mean that every private company, shop, restaurant, mall or tourist attraction in Delhi will shut.What tourists should know
Lotus Temple, Delhi (Canva)
There is no blanket announcement that all Delhi tourist attractions will close on September 11 because of BRICS.This means travellers should not assume that popular monuments such as Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort or other ASI-managed heritage sites are automatically shut simply because September 11 is a government holiday.However, visitors should check the individual attraction’s latest notice before setting out. Security requirements can result in temporary access restrictions, particularly around central Delhi and locations close to VIP movement corridors.What about Delhi Metro?For tourists, the Metro is likely to be the most practical way of moving around Delhi during the summit period.Delhi Traffic Police has specifically advised people travelling to the airport to consider the Metro because road movement may be affected by VIP convoys and diversions. The same advice is relevant for tourists trying to cross central Delhi.Airport and railway stationsThey remain operational, but travellers should allow considerably more time.Traffic authorities have issued advisories for people travelling to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. VIP movements can lead to temporary stoppages even when a road is not permanently closed.If your plan is to explore Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and central Delhi, check traffic advisories immediately before leaving. If you are visiting from outside Delhi and have a flight or train later in the day, keep generous buffers.The BRICS Summit may bring Delhi an international spotlight, but for travellers, September 11 will be a day of open attractions, closed government institutions and unusually unpredictable traffic.
