October 2026 is set to bring several school holidays across India, with Gandhi Jayanti, Durga Puja and Dussehra among the key occasions on the calendar. While some holidays are observed widely, the exact school closure dates can differ depending on state calendars and individual institutions.

For students and parents planning the month ahead, the festival season begins with Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. The month then moves into the Durga Puja and Dussehra period, bringing a series of holidays in several parts of the country.

Key festival dates in October 2026

The important festival dates falling in October include:

  • October 2: Gandhi Jayanti
  • October 11: Kalash Sthapana
  • October 17: Durga Puja – Saptami
  • October 18: Maha Ashtami
  • October 19: Maha Navami
  • October 20: Vijayadashami/Dussehra
  • October 29: Karwa Chauth

The concentration of festivals in the second half of October means students in several states may get multiple days off during the Durga Puja and Dussehra period. However, the exact duration of the break will depend on the respective state and school holiday calendars.

Gandhi Jayanti holiday on October 2

October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, is one of the key school holidays at the beginning of the month. Schools in the states covered by the supplied holiday schedules are set to observe the day as a holiday.

The festival season picks up later in the month, with Durga Puja celebrations beginning with Saptami on October 17 and continuing through Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami.

Durga Puja and Dussehra holidays

The biggest cluster of school holidays in October is around Durga Puja and Dussehra.

October 17 falls on Saptami, followed by Maha Ashtami on October 18, Maha Navami on October 19 and Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 20. Schools in different states may have different break periods around these dates.

Some schools may begin their Durga Puja vacation from Saptami, while others may follow a shorter holiday schedule based on their state calendar.