
As the monsoon recedes, the country will come together to celebrate these festivals, with some states and regions having their unique observances.
Parents, students and educators need to note that holiday dates may vary across states, and local school authorities will likely issue specific circulars to confirm exact closure dates. With this line-up of celebrations, students will have ample time to bond with family and friends, making the most of these festive breaks.
The month includes national holidays such as Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2) and festival holidays like Dussehra (Oct 1-3), Diwali (Oct 20-21), and associated celebrations such as Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj (Oct 22-23), which will result in school closures.
Several other dates, such as Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti (Oct 7) and regional holidays, will also lead to school closures across different states.
Key Holidays and Festivals in October 2025
The month begins on October 1 with Mahanavami, followed by Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.
Schools across India will also remain closed to commemorate Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on October 7, honouring the great sage known for composing the Ramayana.
The main days for Diwali celebrations, including Naraka Chaturdashi, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, will lead to school holidays from October 18 to 23, although the specific days may vary by region. Festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, and others are celebrated differently across states. The number of days schools remain closed may also vary based on local government orders and state-specific gazetted holiday lists.
Later in the month, Chhath Puja, a significant festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern India, is set to be celebrated on October 27-28, bringing a well-deserved break for students in these regions.
October 1 – Mahanavami.
October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami.
October 7 – Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.
October 18 – Dhanteras.
October 20 – Narak Chaturdashi.
October 21 – Diwali.
October 22 – Govardhan Puja.
October 23 – Bhaiya Dooj.
October 27 – Halashashthi (Lalai Chhath).
October 28 – Chhath Puja.