A bounty of holidays in October—an abundance of breaks across every state; schools will remain closed for this many days..

October 2026 School Holidays: As soon as October begins, a distinct glow appears on children's faces. And why wouldn't it? This beautiful month brings such a festive spirit that the stress of school bags and early-morning homework vanishes for a while. Amidst the pleasant, mild chill and festive vibes, October—the tenth month of the year—is nothing short of a treat for school and college students.

This year, the lineup of holidays in October promises a long break from studies for students. Major occasions—ranging from the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, to Dussehra (symbolizing the victory of good over evil) and Karva Chauth—all fall within this month. Consequently, students and their parents are already calculating when schools will be closed in their respective states and planning their holidays accordingly.

When will schools be closed in October?
School holidays vary by state and educational board. While some states celebrate Durga Puja with great fervor, others declare special holidays for regional festivals like Bathukamma. Often, in addition to national holidays, schools independently schedule autumn or festive breaks. This gives children the opportunity to travel or spend quality time with their families. Find out which states will observe school holidays in October 2026 and when major festivals fall during the month.

October 2026 Holiday Calendar

A list of major festivals and holidays falling in October is provided below for the convenience of students. This allows you to plan ahead:

Date    Day    Holiday/Occasion
02 October 2026    Friday    Gandhi Jayanti
18 October 2026    Sunday    Dussehra/Saptami
19 October 2026    Monday    Dussehra/Maha Ashtami
20 October 2026    Tuesday    Dussehra/Vijayadashami
26 October 2026    Monday    Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti
29 October 2026    Thursday    Karwa Chauth/Karak Chaturthi

**Holiday Schedule for Delhi Schools**

October is always a pleasant month in the national capital, Delhi. Here, the Vijayadashami holiday falls on October 20, following the national holiday of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2. Additionally, October 26 and 29 are listed as 'Restricted Holidays.' However, many private and government schools in Delhi may also remain closed for a few extra days as part of the Dussehra or Autumn break. Precise information regarding this can be found in the respective school's circular.

**Festive Fervor of Vijayadashami in Uttar Pradesh**

The enthusiasm for festivals in Uttar Pradesh is a sight to behold. Key holidays in October include Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and Vijayadashami on October 20. However, the break granted for Durga Puja and Dussehra in schools across various districts and boards of UP often ranges from 3 to 5 days. The duration of the festive break depends on the school's annual academic calendar. It is best to check the exact holiday schedule in the school calendar.

**The Unique Spirit of Bathukamma and Dussehra in Telangana**

In the South Indian state of Telangana, the month of October is filled with cultural festivities. A series of holidays takes place here, covering the traditional festival of ‘Saddula Bathukamma’ (October 18), Maha Navami (October 19), Vijayadashami (October 20), and the following day (October 21). Additionally, there will be a holiday on October 26 to mark the birthday of Hazrat Syed Mohammad, ensuring students get a succession of holidays throughout the month.

**Grand Durga Puja Holidays in West Bengal**
When discussing October and holidays, one simply cannot overlook Durga Puja in West Bengal! Here, the October school holidays begin with Gandhi Jayanti. This is followed by the main holidays for Dussehra and Mahashtami on October 19 and 20, alongside the long and grand Durga Puja break observed in schools across the state. Academic activities virtually come to a halt during these days of worship, and the entire state immerses itself in celebration. Be sure to check your school's notice board or official website for the exact holiday dates.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.