The School Education Department, Telangana, has announced an extension of Sankranti (Pongal) holidays for all schools across the state. As per an official order issued on January 5, 2026, schools will now remain closed till January 16, 2026.
Earlier, schools were scheduled to observe Sankranti holidays from January 10 to January 15, 2026. However, the General Administration Department (GAD) later declared January 16, 2026, which falls on Kanuma, as an optional holiday. Since this date comes immediately after the main Pongal festival, the School Education Department decided to extend the holidays by one more day.
In the official order, Dr E Naveen Nicolas, IAS, Director of School Education, Telangana, stated that all schools under all managements will reopen on January 17, 2026. This applies to government, aided, and private schools across the state.
The decision has been taken in line with the Academic Calendar 2025–26 issued by the School Education Department and the General Holidays and Optional Holidays list for 2026 notified by the General Administration Department.
The department also noted that major Sankranti celebrations such as Bhogi, Sankranti on January 15, and Kanuma on January 16 see many students and teachers travelling to their native places. Extending the holidays was considered necessary to avoid attendance issues and to ensure safe travel during the festive period.
Parents, students, and school administrations are advised to note the revised reopening date and plan accordingly. For further updates and official information, they are advised to refer only to notifications issued by the School Education Department of Telangana.
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