Dussehra, which commemorates the victory of truth over falsehood and good over evil, is observed with deep reverence and enthusiasm across India. In the year 2026, the primary festival of Vijaya Dashami falls on Tuesday, October 20. Alongside bustling marketplaces and elaborate community arrangements for Ravan Dahan, the festive window brings much-awaited respite for school students and their parents. Across the country, state education departments follow varied holiday calendars. While northern states typically schedule shorter festive breaks lasting between two and three days, several eastern and southern regions provide extensive autumn breaks tied to Durga Puja celebrations.
Uttar Pradesh Schedules an 8-Day Festive Break
In Uttar Pradesh, school students are set to receive an 8-day holiday spell in view of the festive period. Although the core observance of Dussehra takes place on October 20, the official academic calendar issued by the state education department begins the vacation period on October 18. This break continues through October 25, allowing children and faculty a full week away from academic duties. Normal teaching activities and regular administrative operations will resume across schools on Monday, October 26.
Delhi and NCR Institutions Set for a 3-Day Holiday
In the national capital and surrounding areas of the National Capital Region (NCR), the holiday schedule remains comparatively concise. As per the holiday calendar issued by the Directorate of Education, schools in Delhi and NCR will observe a 3-day closure around the core festive dates. The approved holiday window spans October 18, October 19, and October 20, 2026. This brief pause enables families to take part in local festivities while ensuring limited disruption to the regular academic timeline.
West Bengal Grants 12 Days for Durga Puja Festivities
In West Bengal, where Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami represent the most prominent cultural celebrations of the year, educational institutions observe an extensive holiday window. Taking into account the scale of community festivities, schools across the state will stay shut for a total of 12 days. The vacation begins on October 15 and extends through October 26, 2026. Normal instructional schedules will pause entirely as towns and cities across the region turn their focus toward cultural and religious gatherings.
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Holiday Timelines
Southern states have also implemented comprehensive schedules aligned with seasonal assessments. In Telangana, schools entered an extensive break following the conclusion of the Summative Assessment-1 (SA-1) examinations. Vacation commenced on October 10 and runs straight through October 23, delivering a total of 13 consecutive holidays to students. In neighboring Andhra Pradesh, educational institutions initiated their break on October 12, running until October 21. Schools throughout Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to reopen for routine classes on October 22.
Academic Schedules in Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand
Specific departmental calendars govern school schedules in several northern and eastern territories. In Rajasthan, government institutions follow the Shivira Panchang, which mandates an 8-day closure running from October 18 to October 25. In Bihar, state-run and aided schools observe a 5-day holiday window for Durga Puja and Dussehra, remaining closed from October 17 to October 21. Meanwhile, guidelines laid down by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) designate a 3-day holiday period covering Maha Ashtami through Vijaya Dashami, with schools closed on October 19, October 20, and October 21.
