Diwali will be celebrated with a five-day extended holiday in schools across India, beginning on Dhanteras (October 18) and ending on Bhai Dooj (October 23).
In Rajasthan, closures will begin as early as October 13. Bihar is extending its holidays to include Chhath Puja preparations, while Uttar Pradesh is also taking Diwali getaways.
Meanwhile, Karnataka has shut down its schools until October 18 to conduct a caste survey across the state.
Schools in the majority of states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and others, will remain closed from October 20 to October 23 for Diwali.
Major holidays such as Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj are all covered over the scheduled five-day break.
Parents and children are advised to confirm the exact dates with the school’s administration, as the exact holiday schedule may occasionally change depending on state directives or the calendar of the particular school.
Rajasthan
The Diwali holidays in Rajasthan started on October 13. According to the notification from the Education Department, schools will be closed from October 13 to October 24, providing teachers and students with a 12-day vacation.
Bihar
Bihar’s schools will close on October 18. In addition to being closed for Diwali, schools will also be shut ahead of Chhath Puja, making the holiday last for several days.
Uttar Pradesh
According to the Uttar Pradesh Education Department, schools will be closed for Diwali from October 20 to October 23. Since October 19 is a Sunday, students have a five-day break.
West Bengal
Heavy rain and landslides forced the closure of schools in West Bengal, especially in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions. Schools are expected to reopen on October 13 after the precautionary closures. Schools will remain shut on the occasion of Kali Puja, Diwali, followed by Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja, a comprehensive holiday period across the state.
Karnataka
Karnataka schools will remain closed from October 8 to October 18 due to the government’s state-wide Caste-Based Socio-Educational Survey.
