Kamal Ghorui
Several state governments have announced school holidays for Holi, with closures scheduled across northern, central and eastern India. Education departments have released state-wise calendars outlining breaks for Holika Dahan and the main festival, resulting in extended time off for students in many regions.While holiday dates differ according to local observances and calendar calculations, schools in states including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Assam will remain shut for one or more days to mark the festival.Uttar Pradesh announces four-day breakIn Uttar Pradesh, government schools will remain closed from March 2 to March 4, 2026. As March 1 falls on a Sunday, students will receive four consecutive days of holiday.According to the state’s gazetted calendar, schools will shut on March 2 and March 3 for Holika Dahan observances and on March 4 for the main Holi celebrations. Regular academic activities are scheduled to resume on March 5. The order applies to government schools across the state.Closures in Delhi, Bihar and other statesIn Delhi, Haryana and Punjab, schools have been declared closed on March 4 for Holi.Education department lists in Bihar and Jharkhand indicate that schools are likely to observe a two-day holiday on March 3 and March 4. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are also expected to keep schools closed around March 2 and March 3 in line with local festival schedules.In Assam, where Holi is observed as ‘Daul Utsav’ or ‘Dol Jatra’, schools will remain closed on March 3.Authorities have stated that specific dates may vary slightly in accordance with regional calendar calculations. Students and parents have been advised to confirm the exact schedule with their respective schools.Festival observed nationwideHoli is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals and marks the symbolic victory of good over evil along with the onset of spring. Observances include Holika Dahan bonfires, the use of coloured powders and community gatherings.With consecutive closures in several states, students in many parts of the country will receive extended breaks aligned with local Holi traditions.
