India

November 2026 School Holidays: Diwali Breaks Vary Across States

By Akriti Anand

In November 2026, school students will enjoy a series of holidays following Durga Puja, Dussehra, Bathukamma in Telangana and Golu in Tamil Nadu. Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, and is followed by Govardhan Puja on Monday, November 9, and Bhai Dooj on Wednesday, November 11. Chhath Puja is observed on Sunday, November 15. Holiday schedules differ between government, private and individual schools.

Key dates for the month include: - November 1: Kut (Manipur), Haryana Day (Haryana), Kannada Rajyotsava (Karnataka), Puducherry Liberation Day (Puducherry), Lhabab Duchen (Sikkim) - November 8 (Sunday): Diwali / Naraka Chaturdasi (Gazetted Holiday) - November 9 (Monday): Govardhan Puja - November 11 (Wednesday): Bhai Duj / Bhai Dooj - November 13 (Friday): Wangala Festival (Meghalaya) - November 15 (Sunday): Pratihar Shashthi or Surya Shashthi (Chhath Puja) - November 23 (Monday): Seng Kut Snem (Meghalaya) - November 24 (Tuesday): Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) & Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's Martyrdom Day (Gazetted Holiday) - November 27 (Friday): Kanakadasa Jayanti (Karnataka)

Additional regional holidays include: - November 10: Chitragupta Pooja / Bhai Dooj (Gazetted Holiday) - November 13: Chhath Puja (Kharna) - November 16: Chhath Puja (Gazetted Holiday) - November 9: Vishwakarma Day - November 24: Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti - November 1: New Punjab Day - November 7: Wangala Festival - November 19: Bir Raghav Moran Divas - November 11: Bhaubij (Restricted holiday) - November 16: Veerangana Uda Devi Martyrdom Day - November 24: Guru Nanak Jayanti / Kartik Purnima

In Maharashtra, schools will observe a 13‑day Diwali vacation from November 2 to November 14, 2026, with students returning on November 16, as reported by News18. In Rajasthan, the Diwali vacation is scheduled from November 4 to November 15, 2026. The holiday calendars reflect the circular issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.