October 2025 School Holidays in India: State-Wise List of Festivals and Important Dates

With the arrival of the festive season, October 2025 is gearing up for a mix of culture and school holidays across India. Major festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja are all celebrated in the month and students and families will have extended breaks to immerse themselves in regional festivities along with travel and togetherness with family.

Major Festivals and National Holidays in October 2025

In October 2025 there will be several major festivals and public holidays in India. Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti are celebrated on October 2, and Diwali takes place on October 21, followed by Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj shortly after. Furthermore, Chhath Puja takes place on October 28, and schools remain closed on these days, bringing joy and traditions into households. The table below details the festivals and dates. 

Main Festivals and Expected School Closures

• Gandhi Jayanti and Vijaya Dashami (2 October): On 2 October 2025, people across India celebrated Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami together. Gandhi Jayanti honors Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday and his message of peace. Vijayadashami marks the victory of good over evil. Schools were closed, and families took part in prayers, processions, and cultural events to enjoy the day.

• Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (7 October): Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti is observed on 7 October to commemorate the sage who wrote the Ramayana. People remember his life and teachings and notably, schools are closed in many states. Additionally, devotees will visit temples, participate in prayers, and walk in processions in a demonstration of worship.

• Dhanteras (18 October): Dhanteras will be celebrated on 18 October 2025 as the first day of celebrations for Diwali. People buy gold, silver, and utensils for good luck. Many families pray to Lord Dhanvantari for health and wealth. Schools are closed in many states.

• Diwali (21 October): On 21 October 2025, Diwali is going to be celebrated as the Festival of Lights. People dress up their houses, light the lamps, and play crackers. People worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and joy. There are no schools, and kids will have fun with sweets and presents. It is the most significant festival in India.

• Govardhan Pooja (22 October 2025): Govardhan Puja will be celebrated on 22 October 2025, the day after Diwali. People will worship Lord Krishna and offer food to Govardhan Hill. Homes will prepare special foods and sweets. In many states, schools are closed again. It is a day when people show gratitude and worship, though mostly in North India.

• Bhai Dooj (23 October): Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on 23 October 2025 and it is a special day for brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and apply a tilak on their foreheads. Families get together and share presents and sweets. Schools will be closed on this day, and the day is filled with love and bonding.

• Hal Shashthi (27 October): Hal Shashthi is observed on 27th October 2025. It is a great day for the mothers, who seek the good health of their young ones by praying to God. They keep a fast and present food to Lord Krishna. This festival is largely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Perhaps, educational institutions in these areas will take a day off.

• Chhath Puja (28 October): Chhath Puja is on 28 October 2025and it is a major festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees offer prayers to the Sun God two times in a day once at sunrise and then at sunset. Women fast and stand in rivers to pray. Schools stay closed, and the whole community joins in the celebration.

State-Wise Extended School Holidays 

Many states in India have extended school holidays this October due to long festivals and bad weather. In Telangana, schools are closed for 13 days from September 21 to October 3 for the Dussehra break. West Bengal has added extra days to the Durga Puja holidays, keeping schools shut until October 6 because of heavy rains in some areas.

In Uttar Pradesh, schools will be closed on October 1 and 2 for Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti. Bihar has announced holidays from September 27 to October 2, and some districts will stay closed until October 5 for Durga Puja and Navratri.

School holiday plans are different in every state, and sometimes even in each district. Local customs and weather conditions often affect the schedule. Schools usually share their own holiday lists to match local needs.