Diwali 2026: School Holidays – Check State-Wise Holiday Schedule

Last Updated:November 04, 2026, 10:41 IST

Diwali 2026: Schools in states such as UP, Delhi and Bihar are expected to remain closed on some of the days following the festival. Bhai Dooj will be observed on November 11.

Diwali will be celebrated on November 8, 2026, which falls on a Sunday. (Pexels/Representative)

November 2026 is set to bring an extended festive break for school students in several parts of the country. With Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj falling during the month, schools in many states will remain closed for multiple days, giving students time to celebrate the festivals with their families.

Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are among the states where schools have holiday schedules covering the Diwali period. While some students will get a short break of four to five days, others may enjoy a longer vacation of up to two weeks.

When Is Diwali in 2026?

Diwali will be celebrated on November 8, 2026, which falls on a Sunday. Since Sunday is already a weekly holiday for most schools, students may not get an additional day off for the main festival. However, several state administrations have scheduled holidays on the days around Diwali.

Schools in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar are expected to remain closed on some of the days following the festival. Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Rajasthan have longer mid-term breaks spanning around 14 to 15 days.

Holidays for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj

Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 9, 2026, the day after Diwali. Schools in Uttar Pradesh and several other northern states have holidays around the occasion.

Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Jayanti will be observed on November 11. Schools in several areas may remain closed on this day as well, although the holiday schedule can vary by region and institution.

Diwali Holiday Schedule Varies Across States

The duration of the Diwali break differs from state to state, depending on local holiday calendars and school schedules.

Maharashtra: Schools are expected to remain closed from November 2 to November 14, giving students an extended festive break.

Rajasthan: The Diwali vacation is scheduled from November 4 to November 15.

Himachal Pradesh: Schools will observe a five-day special holiday around Diwali.

Uttar Pradesh: Schools will have holidays around Diwali and Govardhan Puja. November 11 is also marked for Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Jayanti in several areas.

Delhi: Schools may remain closed on the days following Diwali, depending on the applicable holiday calendar.

Bihar: Schools will observe holidays around the Diwali festive period, with dates varying according to the local school calendar.

Students and parents should check their respective school calendars or official notices for the confirmed holiday dates, as schedules may differ across districts and institutions.

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What is the date of Diwali in 2026 and how does it affect school holidays?

Diwali will be celebrated on November 8, 2026, which falls on a Sunday. Because Sunday is already a weekly holiday, students may not receive an extra day off for the main festival itself, but several state administrations have scheduled additional breaks around that time.

Which states have announced extended Diwali school vacations for up to two weeks in 2026?

States such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan are offering longer mid-term or festive breaks spanning around 14 to 15 days. In Maharashtra, schools are expected to remain closed from November 2 to November 14, while Rajasthan’s vacation runs from November 4 to November 15.

When are Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj observed for school holiday schedules in November 2026?

Govardhan Puja will be observed on November 9, 2026, with schools in Uttar Pradesh and several northern states scheduling holidays around it. Bhai Dooj and Chitragupta Jayanti will take place on November 11, resulting in further school closures in multiple regions.

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