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- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Sun, 01 Mar 2026 03:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
School holidays March 2026: As March begins, schools and colleges across India are preparing for a series of holidays associated with major religious and cultural festivals. Education calendars issued by states and institutions indicate several days during the month that are not suitable for studies.
The major festivals in March 2026 include Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Dola Jatra, Ugadi, and Gudi-Gudi Padwa. Holiday dates vary by state, depending on local traditions, public holiday notifications, and education board schedules.
March 2026 School Festival Holidays: State-Wise Break Details
| Festival / Occasion | Date (2026) | States / Regions Affected | Holiday Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holi | March 4 | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Delhi | Schools and colleges closed; UP may observe a 3-day break |
| Holika Dahan | March 2 | Uttar Pradesh | Declared holiday ahead of Holi celebrations |
| Dola Jatra (Holi in Assam) | March 4 (as per local calendar) | Assam | Institutions closed as per regional customs |
| Eid al-Fitr | Expected March 21 | Across India | Schools likely closed; subject to moon sighting |
| Ram Navami | March 26 | Multiple states | Educational institutions traditionally closed |
| Mahavir Jayanti | March 31 | Several states | Public holiday; schools and government offices closed |
| Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Chaitra Navratri | March 19 | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra | Schools expected to close as per state notifications |
Note: Eid date subject to lunar sighting confirmation.
Holi festival and related closures:
Holi 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 schedule:
Ramadan 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 Jayanti:
Ram Navami will be observed on March 26. Schools and colleges in many states traditionally remain closed on this occasion, which is marked by religious programs 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 festival observances:
Ugadi, 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.
Authorities have advised students and parents to verify exact holiday dates with their respective schools, as schedules may vary due to board examinations and weekends.