Students, teachers and government employees in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are set to enjoy a three-day holiday this weekend as the Vinayaka Chavithi festival coincides with the regular weekend break. Schools, colleges, banks and government offices will remain closed for three consecutive days from September 12 to September 14, giving students and employees an extended weekend. (File/Representative Image)

The holiday begins on Saturday, September 12, which is the second Saturday of the month and a government holiday. Schools, banks and government offices will remain closed on the day. Sunday, September 13, will be the regular weekly holiday, followed by Monday, September 14, which is a gazetted holiday on account of Vinayaka Chavithi. (File/Representative Image)

The three-day break is expected to give students, teachers and employees an opportunity to return to their hometowns and spend time with family during the festival. Those living away from their home districts may also use the long weekend to make short trips.(File/Representative Image)

The extended weekend could also lead to increased demand for public transport. RTC buses and trains are likely to see higher passenger traffic as people travel to their hometowns, with transport authorities expected to operate additional services wherever required. (File/Representative Image)

Meanwhile, preparations for Ganesh Navratri are underway across villages, towns and cities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Organisers and local youth groups are busy setting up Vinayaka mandaps in residential colonies and at major intersections. (File/Representative image)

Ganesh idols are being selected and brought to different locations, while decoration and other arrangements are also progressing ahead of the festival. The holiday calendar could extend further in some areas during Ganesh Nimajjanam, which marks the culmination of Ganesh Navratri. Depending on local conditions and the importance of the festival, authorities may declare a local holiday for the immersion procession. (File/Representative Image)

In Hyderabad and Secunderabad, schools and government offices have traditionally observed a holiday on the day of Ganesh Nimajjanam, although such holidays depend on official announcements. With the three-day break coinciding with Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations, festive preparations are expected to gain further momentum across the Telugu states. (File/Representative Image)