October School Holidays 2025: Closures On Diwali, Chhath & Bhai Dooj – Check Dates

October 2025 is set to bring a cheerful mix of lights, colors, and traditions throughout India this month. It is that time of the year when families begin to prepare for festive celebrations, travel plans, and spending time together as well. Schools in different states remain closed for the major festivals of Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Bhai Dooj, so students and teachers can have an extended break.
If you are planning family outings or just wondering when the school holidays are in October 2025, here is your complete guide to planning ahead!

Diwali 2025 School Holidays

The festival of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, 2025. This festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, commemorating Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

In most states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, schools will remain closed for at least two to three days during the Diwali celebrations. Some schools even extend the holiday period to a week, allowing families to prepare for festivities, clean their homes, and enjoy the joyous season together.

The celebrations begin a few days earlier with Dhanteras on October 18 and Naraka Chaturdashi on October 19, followed by the grand Diwali night on October 20. Parents planning travel or family gatherings should make early arrangements, as this period sees a surge in bookings for transport and accommodations.

Bhai Dooj Holiday 2025

Just two days after Diwali comes Bhai Dooj, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. This festival honors the special bond between brothers and sisters, similar to Raksha Bandhan. Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads, pray for their well-being, and receive gifts in return.

Many schools, particularly in North India, remain closed on Bhai Dooj. Since the festival falls close to Diwali, students can expect an extended five to six-day holiday period, depending on their school calendar. This is the perfect time for families to relax after Diwali celebrations, visit relatives, or enjoy short trips together.

Chhath Puja 2025 Holidays

Soon after Diwali and Bhai Dooj, the eastern states of India gear up for Chhath Puja, one of the most important festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh. The festival will begin on Sunday, October 26, 2025, and continue until Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

During Chhath Puja, devotees worship the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, offering prayers during sunrise and sunset near rivers or ponds. The rituals include fasting, bathing in holy waters, and preparing traditional prasad such as thekua.

Schools in Bihar and parts of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh will remain closed throughout this period, giving students and teachers a four-day festive break. The holiday also allows families living in cities to return to their hometowns to participate in traditional celebrations.

Expected Holiday Timeline for October 2025

The festive season in October 2025 will start with Dhanteras on October 18, followed by Naraka Chaturdashi on October 19, and Diwali on October 20. After the main Diwali celebrations, Govardhan Puja will be observed on October 21, and Bhai Dooj on October 22. Schools are likely to remain closed throughout this period, reopening only after the Diwali week ends.

Later in the month, Chhath Puja will begin on October 26 and conclude on October 29, leading to another set of holidays in eastern India. Thus, students can look forward to two major holiday breaks in the same month, making October a time filled with joy, devotion, and togetherness.

Why October Is a Special Month for Students

October is an exciting month for school children in India. The school year has covered a long stretch of time without a break. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to reconnect with one another. Cooler weather, festive enthusiasm, and cultural traditions provide the perfect opportunity for relaxation, celebration, and creativity.

Whether parents motivate children to participate in longstanding Diwali traditions of creating diyas or rangoli or along sweets, or in Chhath festivities, teaching discipline, respect, and devotion, these activities provide insight into India’s cultural history and values outside of the classroom.