- Most schools closed on October 20 for Dussehra/Vijayadashami.
- West Bengal schools observe Durga Puja on October 21.
- Parents must confirm exact holiday dates with schools.
Parents and students are seeking information on whether schools will remain closed on October 20 or 21, 2026, due to the Dussehra, Vijayadashami, and Durga Puja holidays. In most parts of India, Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 20, and according to the central government's holiday calendar, it is a gazetted holiday.
However, the state of West Bengal will celebrate Durga Puja on the 21st of October. Different states have different school closing dates, as some states have more holidays during Puja time and the autumn season than others, and some schools have a regular school holiday schedule. So it would be best if parents check the dates from their respective schools.
Dussehra School Holiday 2026: October 20 or 21?
October 20 is the main Dussehra and Vijayadashami holiday in most parts of India. The Central Government’s calendar lists it as a gazetted holiday on this date.
In West Bengal, Dashami falls on October 21. Schools in the state follow the Durga Puja holiday schedule, which may include an extended break.
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh: Will Schools Be Closed on October 20?
Schools in Delhi-NCR are expected to remain closed for Dussehra on October 20. Some schools may also have holidays around the festival as part of their autumn break.
In Uttar Pradesh, several school calendars include an extended autumn break. However, dates differ between schools, so students should check with their institutions before assuming classes will be cancelled.
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka School Holidays
Students in several southern states are getting longer holidays for Dasara and Dussehra.
State | Holiday Period | Classes Resume |
Telangana | October 10 to 22 | October 23 |
Andhra Pradesh | Dasara break continues until October 21 | October 22 |
Karnataka | October 10 to 21 (several school calendars) | October 22 |
Students should check their school calendars to confirm reopening dates.
West Bengal Schools: Holiday on October 21
West Bengal follows a different schedule for Durga Puja. Bijoya Dashami falls on October 21 this year, and schools are observing an extended Puja break.
Reported holiday schedules indicate the break may continue until October 26. Parents should confirm the dates with their children’s schools.
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When Will Schools Reopen?
The date on which the school will reopen is fixed by the state and academic calendar of the school. Some schools may resume operations immediately after the Dussehra holidays, whereas some other schools may remain closed for an extended period due to the fall or Puja holidays.
Students and their parents are advised that they must check the latest circular issued by their official authority or the state education department.