Are Schools Open or Closed on October 20-21? Schools to Remain Shut in THESE States due to Diwali News24 –
School Holiday, October 20, Monday:As the festival of lights, Diwali is approaching, students and parents are eager to know the exact date of Diwali and the days when schools will be closed for the celebrations. This helps them plan vacations and family gatherings. Due to regional festivities like Govardhan Puja, there is uncertainty about whether the holiday will fall on October 20 or October 21. Although schedules vary by board and region, many state board, CBSE, and ICSE schools have already announced closures.
Most of the states across the country are already closed for Diwali from October 15. Students are looking forward to a five-day break, covering all the major festivities—Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Many schools have even begun giving holidays starting Monday, October 13, making the festive season extra special for students.
Which States have Schools shut?
School Holiday, October 20, Monday: Diwali 2025 falls on Monday, October 20. Most of the schools are closed from October 15 for Diwali celebrations. Apart from this, some regions have extended the break further based on local festivals or administrative decisions.
Regional & State Board
The main Diwali festival is on October 20, but Govardhan Puja, celebrated by some communities, is on October 21. Some schools may extend their holidays to include October 21.
Board Affiliation (CBSE, ICSE vs State Boards)
CBSE and ICSE schools usually follow national holiday guidelines, so they are expected to close on October 20. State board schools may change their holiday dates based on local traditions or government announcements.
Diwali 2025: Schools Closed!
Schools in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jammu & Kashmir will be closed on 15 October 2025 due to regional festivals and government events. Schools in Rajasthan have the longest holiday break of about 12 days. Karnataka students will enjoy a 10-day vacation. In Bihar, schools will stay closed for both Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.
Diwali Vacation 2025 for Schools in Rajasthan
School Holiday, October 20, Monday: As per the Education Department’s order, Diwali holidays have begun across Rajasthan. This year, the holidays will run from October 13 to October 24, giving students and teachers a total of 12 days off. Since October 12 was a Sunday, the Diwali vacation in schools officially started from October 13.
UP School Holiday
The Uttar Pradesh Education Department has announced that schools in the state will be closed for Diwali from October 20 to October 23. Since October 19 is a Sunday, students will get a total of five days off in a row.
Bihar School Holiday
In Bihar, Diwali holidays started on October 18 and continue for several days. After Diwali, preparations for Chhath Puja will begin, during which schools will remain closed as well.
West Bengal schools closed (Darjeeling and Kalimpong)
School Holiday, October 20, Monday: Soon after, schools across the state will observe an extended festive break for Kali Puja, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja, giving students a long holiday period. Most private schools have already declared holidays starting Thursday, October 16.
Schools closed in Karnataka
School Holiday, October 20, Monday: Schools in Karnataka was unexpectedly closed from October 8 to October 18. A Caste-Based Socio-Educational Survey is currently being conducted in the state. Because of this, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a holiday for schools. Teachers across Karnataka are busy carrying out this survey.
School Holiday, October 20, Monday: Though the survey began on September 22, due to various reasons, the officials weren’t able to end the survey last week. Therefore, the Chief Minister and his cabinet have decided to extend the survey period by 10 days, during which no academic activities will be conducted in schools. However, as Diwali is approaching, schools will remain shut from October 18 to October 21.