The month of October 2025 will bring several school holidays as the festival season begins. Students will get time off for almost all major festivals. However, holiday dates may differ from state to state depending on local traditions and government notifications. Here is the complete list of school holidays in October 2025.
School Holidays in October 2025
| Date | Festival/Occasion |
|---|---|
| 1 October | Mahanavami |
| 2 October | Gandhi Jayanti & Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) |
| 7 October | Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti |
| 18 October | Dhanteras |
| 20 October | Naraka Chaturdasi |
| 21 October | Diwali |
| 22 October | Govardhan Puja |
| 23 October | Bhai Dooj |
| 27 October | Hal Shashthi (Lalai Chhath) |
| 28 October | Chhath Puja |
Mahanavami (1 October)
Mahanavami is the ninth day of Navratri. It is considered an important day for worshipping Goddess Durga. Many schools remain closed so that families can take part in prayers, temple visits, and cultural programmes.
Gandhi Jayanti and Vijaya Dashami (2 October)
This date has a dual significance. Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a national holiday across India. Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra is celebrated on the same day in 2025. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the triumph of good over evil. Schools will remain closed to allow students and teachers to join celebrations.
Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti (7 October)
Maharshi Valmiki is known as the author of the Ramayana. His birth anniversary is marked by processions, readings, and cultural programmes. Schools remain closed, especially in northern India.
Dhanteras (18 October)
Dhanteras begins the five-day Diwali festival. It is considered an auspicious day for purchasing gold, silver, and utensils. Schools remain closed as families prepare for the main Diwali celebrations.
Diwali (20 October)
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated across India. Schools are closed nationwide, and homes are decorated with diyas, candles, and rangolis. The day includes prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and bursting of fireworks.
Govardhan Puja (22 October)
The day after Diwali, Govardhan Puja is observed. It marks the lifting of the Govardhan hill by Lord Krishna to protect villagers. Schools remain closed as communities organise prayers and food offerings.
Bhai Dooj (23 October)
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and well being, and brothers give gifts in return. Schools remain closed for family gatherings.
Hal Shashthi (27 October)
Hal Shashthi, also called Lalai Chhath, is observed in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is mainly celebrated by mothers for the health of their children. Schools remain closed in regions where it is observed.
Chhath Puja (28 October)
Chhath Puja is a major festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees worship the Sun God by offering prayers at rivers and ponds. Schools are closed to allow families to participate in rituals that span four days.
The school holiday calendar in India is not the same everywhere. Different states and cities may follow their own customs, and schools often release separate schedules. At times, factors like local weather conditions or special government announcements can also change the dates. For this reason, parents should confirm the exact holiday list with their child’s school or check the official updates from the respective state education department.
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