Government School Holidays List in October 2025: Schools across several Indian states will remain closed during the first half of October 2025 to mark major cultural and national festivals. The period includes observances such as Dussehra, Durga Puja, Navratri, and Gandhi Jayanti. The festive break not only allows students to take part in community celebrations but also provides families with time together. In some regions, school closures have also been extended due to adverse weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and floods.
This day carries double importance. Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday commemorating the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, while Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dussehra, celebrates the victory of good over evil. Schools will remain shut nationwide for the occasion.
Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (7 October)
Observed particularly in northern India, the day honours Maharshi Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana. Schools remain closed as communities organise processions, readings, and cultural events.
Dhanteras (18 October)
Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. Families traditionally buy gold, silver, and utensils on this day. Schools are closed to allow preparations for the festival of lights.
Diwali (21 October)
Celebrated across India, Diwali sees homes decorated with lamps, rangolis, and fireworks. Schools are closed nationwide to enable students and staff to participate in the celebrations.
Govardhan Puja (22 October)
The day after Diwali, this festival marks Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan hill. Communities hold prayers and distribute offerings, with schools remaining closed.
Bhai Dooj (23 October)
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This festival celebrates the bond between siblings. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and brothers give gifts in return. Schools are closed for family gatherings.
Chhath Puja (28 October)
Primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja involves worship of the Sun God at water bodies. Schools in these states remain closed for the multi-day rituals.
Similarly, Hal Shashthi, celebrated on October 27, also called Lalai Chhath, this festival is observed in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Mothers pray for their children’s health, and schools remain shut locally.
State-wise extended holidays
In addition to the scheduled holidays, many states have extended school closures either for prolonged festivals or due to severe weather. In Telangana, schools are closed for 13 days, from September 21 to October 3, to cover the Dasara break. West Bengal has extended Durga Puja holidays until October 6, partly because of flood-like conditions in some districts.
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In Uttar Pradesh, schools will shut on October 1 and 2 for Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti. Bihar has announced holidays from September 27 to October 2, with several districts extending them until October 5 for Durga Puja and Navratri.
However note that school holiday calendars in India vary widely, and this is not an exhaustive list. Each state and in many cases, each district follows its own traditions and administrative guidelines. Schools often release separate schedules to accommodate local practices and conditions.
