The answer to "Is today a school holiday?" in India is not simple. Unlike many countries, India doesn't have a unified national school holiday calendar. Each state, district, and sometimes even individual schools decide their own schedules.
⚠️ Quick Answer
There are only 3 guaranteed all-India school holidays: Republic Day (Jan 26), Independence Day (Aug 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2). Everything else varies by state and school.
Why School Holidays Vary Across India
India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Each region has:
- Different cultures and festivals – Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi are celebrated on different scales
- State foundation days – Maharashtra Day (May 1), Karnataka Rajyotsava (Nov 1), Tamil Nadu Day, etc.
- Regional events – Local festivals, harvest celebrations, religious observances
- Different school boards – CBSE, ICSE, State Boards all have different academic calendars
- Emergency closures – Weather extremes, pollution (GRAP in Delhi), elections, health alerts
State-Wise Examples
🏛️ Delhi & NCR
Common holidays: Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Eid, Guru Nanak Jayanti. Schools may close due to GRAP pollution restrictions in winter.
🌊 Maharashtra
Special holidays: Ganesh Chaturthi (10 days in some areas), Maharashtra Day (May 1), Gudi Padwa, Ambedkar Jayanti.
🎨 West Bengal
Major break: Durga Puja (4-5 days), Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja. These are much bigger holidays than in other states.
🎭 Tamil Nadu
Key holidays: Pongal (3-4 days), Tamil New Year (April 14), Deepavali timing may differ from North India.
How to Check If Today Is a Holiday
Best Methods:
- 1. School's Official Communication – WhatsApp groups, SMS, school app, or website
- 2. State Education Department Website – Most states publish annual holiday calendars
- 3. District Education Office Notices – For last-minute closures
- 4. Use Our Tool – Check state-wise school holiday calendars at School Holiday Checker
Types of School Holidays in India
🇮🇳 National Holidays
Observed everywhere: Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti
🎉 State Holidays
State-specific: Foundation days, regional festivals
📚 Academic Breaks
Summer vacation, winter break, exam breaks
⚠️ Emergency Closures
Weather, pollution, elections, health alerts
Important Points to Remember
- ✓ Government vs Private Schools – Private schools may have different holiday calendars
- ✓ CBSE vs State Boards – Central boards and state boards follow different schedules
- ✓ Last-Minute Changes – Schools can declare holidays on short notice for emergencies
- ✓ Half-Days – Some occasions may be half-day holidays, not full days
- ✓ Optional Holidays – Some schools offer optional holidays for minority festivals
Check Your State's School Holidays
Select your state and see upcoming school holiday schedules
View Holiday Calendar →