School holidays 2026: Check Durga Puja and Navaratri dates in major states

Representational image (File photo: PTI)
Representational image (File photo: PTI)

With Navaratri and Durga Puja approaching, students across several Indian states can look forward to school holidays in October 2026.

Educational institutions in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha and Bihar are expected to observe holidays for Durga Puja, while other states have separate breaks for Dussehra and related festivals.

Holiday schedules vary across states, depending on local festivals and the academic calendar. Parents and students should check their respective school notices for confirmation of vacation dates.

Durga Puja school holidays 2026: State-wise list

West Bengal: Schools in West Bengal are scheduled to remain closed from October 15 to 26 for Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja. October 10 is also listed as a holiday for Mahalaya, marking the start of Devi Paksha.

  • Assam: Schools in Assam are expected to observe a Durga Puja break from October 17 to 21, according to the supplied holiday schedule.
  • Odisha: Educational institutions in Odisha are also listed as having holidays from October 17 to 21 for Durga Puja celebrations.
  • Bihar: Schools in Bihar are scheduled to remain closed from October 17 to 21 for Durga Puja. October 5 has also been listed as a holiday for Jitiya Vrat.
  • Delhi: Schools in the national capital are scheduled to observe a holiday on October 20 for Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. October 26 is listed for Valmiki Jayanti.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Schools in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled to observe a holiday on October 20 for Dussehra, according to the supplied calendar.
  • Haryana: The holiday schedule lists October 20 for Dussehra, October 26 for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti and October 29 for Karva Chauth.
  • Karnataka: The Department of School Education has announced a Dussehra vacation from October 3 to 21, 2026, with schools scheduled to reopen on October 22.

Dussehra school holiday 2026

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, falls on October 20 in the supplied holiday calendar. Schools in several states may remain closed to mark the festival, though dates can vary by state and institution.

Diwali and Kali Puja school holidays 2026: The supplied calendar lists 

Diwali and Kali Puja for November 8, 2026. Students should check official school announcements to confirm whether their institutions will remain closed and whether additional holidays have been declared.

As the festive season begins, families should consult official education department notifications and individual school circulars before making travel or holiday plans.