Where will schools remain closed for Chhath Puja on November 16? Get the latest updates for Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar..

Chhath Puja School Holiday: Even before the glow of Diwali fades, the fervor for 'Chhath'—a grand festival of faith and sun worship—begins. Each of the four days of this major festival holds special significance—be it 'Nahay-Khay', 'Kharna', offering *arghya* (oblations) to the setting sun, or offering water to the rising sun. Beyond Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is now celebrated with great grandeur in the national capital, Delhi, and other major metropolitan cities. Schools in several states remain closed on this occasion.

Everyone appears immersed in the sanctity and divinity of this festival of folk faith. Many state governments have made special arrangements to allow families to celebrate this significant festival together. Considering the convenience of children and the festive spirit, holidays have been declared for schools in many places. If you are uncertain about whether there is a holiday for Chhath Puja on Monday, November 16, 2026, let us clear up that confusion. Find out where schools will remain closed on November 16, 2026, for Chhath Puja.

A Long Weekend for Chhath Puja
Balancing children's education with the holiday season can be quite a challenge. In recent days, schools in several states have remained closed due to pollution and the festive season. The grand festival of Chhath concludes on November 16 with the offering of *arghya* to the rising sun. An administrative holiday has been declared in several states for this day. In Delhi and Bihar, children have received a long weekend, providing a perfect opportunity to celebrate the festival with their families. Find out where schools will remain closed on November 16.

Bihar: A 4-Day Break; Here’s When Schools Will Reopen

In Bihar, the festival of Chhath is considered no less significant than a national holiday. Under the directives of the state government and local administration, schools remain closed during the Chhath festival. In most schools in Bihar, holidays began on November 13 (Friday). With the weekend—Saturday and Sunday—falling in between, and the main festival taking place on November 16, educational institutions will remain closed. Consequently, schools will reopen for students on Tuesday, November 17.

Delhi: Government holiday on November 16

Amid rising pollution levels in the national capital, Delhi, a special concession has been granted for the Chhath festival. The Delhi government has declared an official holiday for Monday, November 16, on the occasion of Chhath Puja. On this day, all government offices, as well as schools and educational institutions in Delhi, will remain closed. Furthermore, due to pollution, schools have been operating in a hybrid or online mode since November 13, and with the weekend following, students in Delhi are effectively getting a four-day break.

Uttar Pradesh: Mixed situation; focus on District Magistrate (DM) orders

The situation in Uttar Pradesh regarding November 16 is somewhat different. In the academic calendar, this day is categorized as a "restricted holiday" in many places, meaning students may choose to take the day off if they wish. However, in certain districts of the Purvanchal region (such as Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, and Lucknow), where Chhath is celebrated with great significance, the local district administration has issued orders for school holidays or adjustments to school timings. Parents are advised to check for local notices issued by their respective schools.

Other states: Where will schools open and where will they remain closed?

Apart from UP, Bihar, Delhi, and Jharkhand, schools in most other states are set to reopen as usual from November 16. For instance, in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh, the mid-term or festive breaks that had been in effect for the past few days have now concluded. In these states, students will return to their regular classes starting Monday, November 16. Meanwhile, regular classes will also commence in most parts of South India and West Bengal.

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