Kamal Ghorui
As March begins, schools and colleges across India are preparing for a series of holiday closures linked to major religious and cultural festivals. Education calendars issued by states and institutions outline several non-instructional days during the month.Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Dola Jatra, Ugadi and Gudi Guri Padwa are among the principal observances scheduled in March 2026. Holiday dates differ by state, depending on local traditions, public holiday notifications and education board schedules.Holi and related closuresHoli will be observed on March 4. In many states, schools and colleges will remain closed on this day. Uttar Pradesh is set to record one of the longest breaks, with institutions closed for three days around the festival.Apart from Uttar Pradesh, states including Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Delhi will also observe closures for Holi. In some regions, a two-day holiday has been announced. March 2 has been notified as a holiday in Uttar Pradesh for Holika Dahan.In Assam, the festival is celebrated as Dola Jatra, with institutions closing in accordance with local customs.Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan scheduleRamadan began on February 19. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month, is expected to fall on March 21, subject to the sighting of the moon. Educational institutions across the country are expected to remain closed on the day of Eid.As the date depends on lunar observations, official confirmation will be issued closer to the festival.Ram Navami and Mahavir JayantiRam Navami will be observed on March 26. Schools and colleges in many states traditionally remain closed on this occasion, which is marked by religious programmes and community events.Mahavir Jayanti falls on March 31. It is generally observed as a public holiday in several states, with government offices and educational institutions remaining closed.Other regional observancesUgadi, Gudi Guri Padwa and Chaitra Navratri will be observed on March 19 in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Institutions in these states are expected to close in line with state notifications.Holiday schedules may also be influenced by board examinations and weekends. Authorities have advised students and parents to consult their respective school calendars or contact school administrations for confirmation of exact dates.
