Navratri & Durga Puja 2025: Schools to remain shut in several states

The festive season in India has begun, and with it comes a round of school holidays across several states. The celebrations of Navratri and Durga Puja are important cultural and religious events, especially in eastern India. Schools and colleges in states like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand have declared closures to allow students, teachers, and families to take part in these festivities.

Every year, schools remain closed for different durations depending on the state, the festival, and the type of institution—whether government or private. For 2025, the holiday schedule varies slightly, but one thing is clear: from late September to early October, classrooms in many states will stay empty as streets and homes light up with celebrations.

State-wise school holiday list explained

West Bengal: The biggest and most colorful Durga Puja celebrations take place in West Bengal, especially in Kolkata. The state government has already announced holidays for schools beginning from September 24. Schools will remain closed until October 6. However, there may be slight variations between government schools and private schools, as some may reopen earlier or later. These holidays ensure students can fully participate in puja pandal visits, family gatherings, and community celebrations.

Bihar: Schools in Bihar will close from September 27 to mark Navratri and Durga Puja. Most institutions will remain shut from September 27 to October 2, but in some districts, holidays will extend until October 5. This difference depends on local customs and district-level decisions. For families, this longer break means more time to travel back to hometowns and join traditional puja rituals.

Odisha: In Odisha, schools will shut down from September 29, which is observed as Maha Saptami (the seventh day of Durga Puja). The holidays will last until October 2, covering the most significant days—Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra). These dates allow students and teachers to take part in the traditional puja rituals, cultural programs, and community feasts that are common in the state during this time.

Assam: Schools in Assam will remain closed on September 29 and 30 for Navratri and Durga Puja. In addition, they will also stay closed on October 2, which is both Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday. This ensures that students get at least a short but meaningful break to celebrate the festival while also observing the national occasion.

Jharkhand: The holiday schedule in Jharkhand is slightly different depending on the type of school. In Dhanbad, for instance, schools will close from September 27 to October 5. Government schools will get four days off (September 29 to October 2), while CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) schools will observe holidays from September 27 to October 2. This staggered schedule shows how different education boards align their calendars with local traditions.

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Dussehra holiday across India

While Navratri and Durga Puja are regional celebrations, Dussehra is celebrated all over the country. Known as Vijaya Dashami, it marks the victory of good over evil and is observed with processions, burning of effigies of Ravana, and cultural performances. For 2025, schools across India will be closed on October 2 to mark Dussehra.

Interestingly, this year Dussehra coincides with Gandhi Jayanti, which is already a national holiday to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. This means October 2 will be a double occasion—celebrated both as a festival of culture and a day of national remembrance.

These holidays not only give students a chance to rest and enjoy but also allow them to connect with cultural traditions and family values. Parents, teachers, and communities often look forward to this break as it strengthens social bonds through puja visits, local fairs, and cultural gatherings.