Schools across India to observe multiple festival holidays through September

Educational institutions across India are preparing for a series of festival-related closures spanning August and September 2026, providing students with breaks aligned to major Hindu and regional celebrations. The holiday calendar includes observances for Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam, with specific dates varying according to state board directives and local administrative guidelines.

Raksha Bandhan, the festival celebrating the bond between siblings, will prompt closures in multiple states during mid-August. Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, and Ganesh Chaturthi, honoring the elephant-headed deity, will follow in subsequent weeks, with schools in Maharashtra and other states implementing corresponding holiday schedules.

Onam, the harvest festival significant to Kerala and parts of South India, represents another major closure period. State education departments have released detailed holiday calendars specifying exact dates when schools will remain shut, though variations exist between different regions based on local cultural observances and administrative decisions.

Parents and students are advised to consult their respective state education board websites and school notifications for precise holiday dates, as schedules may differ between states and educational boards. Schools typically announce makeup arrangements or academic adjustments to accommodate the extended festival period.