Is it wrong to work on a festival day if I can’t get leave?

no — doing your duty is dharma; keep the core pūjā before or after work and celebrate fully when you are free.

The Gītā repeatedly praises sva-dharma, doing one’s own duty well. Doctors, nurses, soldiers, police, drivers and shopkeepers have always worked on festival days, and their service is itself an offering. There is no sin in going to work.

Plan the essentials around your hours: light the lamp and offer a short prayer before leaving, or do the main pūjā in the evening if the muhūrta allows, as with Lakṣmī pūjā on Dīpāvalī or āratī on Janmāṣṭamī night. Wear something festive, take sweets for colleagues and call your family.

When you have a free day, hold the larger celebration with family and friends. Many people also mentally dedicate the day’s work, saying “I offer this work to You”, which the Gītā (9.27) describes as a way of turning every action into worship.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 9.27 — offer whatever you do

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