November School Holidays 2026: A treat for children—long breaks ahead for Diwali and Chhath; check the dates here.
November School Holidays 2026: In several states across the country, long school holidays have been announced in light of the upcoming festive season. According to the festival calendar, Diwali will be celebrated on November 8, 2026.
November School Holidays 2026: With only one day left until the start of November, the month brings a series of festivals, offering a delightful time for school children and their parents. The entire month will be marked by the celebrations of Diwali—the festival of lights—and Chhath Puja, a major festival of faith. In states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, long school holidays have been declared to coincide with this festive period.
As per the festival calendar, Diwali will fall on November 8, 2026, while the major festival of Chhath Puja will conclude on Sunday, November 15, 2026. Since many of these festivals fall on Sundays, state governments and education departments have devised special holiday plans by incorporating the days surrounding these festivals for the convenience of students and teachers. Let’s take a look at when, where, and for how long the schools will remain closed in November.
Schools in Bihar to remain closed for 11 days
In Bihar, the religious and social significance of Chhath Puja and Diwali is well-known. According to the 2026 holiday calendar issued by the Bihar State Education Department, both government and private schools in the state will remain closed consecutively from November 7 to November 17, 2026. This extended break will cover the periods for Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja. Additionally, schools in the state will also remain closed on November 24—marking Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima.
When will there be holidays in Jharkhand?
According to the official calendar issued by the Jharkhand Academic Council, several holidays have been scheduled in the state for various festivals. For instance, there will be a public holiday on Sunday, November 8. This will be followed by a holiday on Monday, November 9, for Govardhan Puja. Additionally, there will be a holiday on November 11 for Bhaiya Dooj and Chitragupta Puja. Furthermore, special holidays have been announced for November 16 and 17 on the occasion of Chhath Puja.
Holidays in Uttar Pradesh
As per the official list of holidays issued by the Uttar Pradesh government, there will be holidays in the state around November 8 to 11, covering Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhaiya Dooj. An optional holiday has been declared for November 15 and 16 for Chhath Puja, which can be availed by students in the Purvanchal region and other areas where Chhath is celebrated.
Diwali Holidays in Other States
Maharashtra: Some schools in Maharashtra have scheduled holidays from November 2 to 14, with classes resuming on November 16. However, these dates vary by district; for example, Pune and Sangli have announced a revised break from November 5 to 18. Students should refer to the instructions issued by their respective schools for the exact holiday schedule.
Rajasthan: Reports suggest that there may be a break from November 4 to 15 in Rajasthan. However, dates may vary from school to school, so students should keep an eye on the instructions provided by their schools regarding the holidays.
Himachal Pradesh: Holidays have been reported from November 6 to 10. Students should confirm the specific dates for these holidays with their respective schools at the local level.
Chhattisgarh: Reports indicate that there will be holidays from November 6 to 11 during the festive period.
Why do Diwali holidays vary across different states?
Diwali is celebrated across India, but school holidays are determined by state educational calendars, government notifications, and local arrangements. Some states provide students with extended breaks for various festivals, while others declare holidays only on specific, selected dates. This is why the Diwali holiday falls on different days in different states.
