October 2025 School Holidays List: Dussehra, Diwali & Chhath Puja Vacations
October 2025 School Holidays List: October 2025 will be a festive month in India, bringing a series of important holidays for school students. These holidays are not only connected to religious and cultural traditions, but they also provide families an opportunity to come together and celebrate.
This year, Dussehra (Vijayadashami), Diwali, and Chhath Puja are among the key festivals in October, due to which schools across different states will remain closed. However, the exact holiday dates may vary depending on state government notifications and regional customs.
Here’s the complete list of school holidays in October 2025 along with their cultural significance.
Major School Holidays in October 2025
1 October – Maha Navami
The ninth day of Navratri is celebrated as Maha Navami, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Special prayers and community gatherings are organized. Many schools remain closed to allow students and families to participate in the rituals.
2 October – Gandhi Jayanti & Dussehra
A double holiday this year – Gandhi Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is a national public holiday. In 2025, the same day also marks Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Schools across the country remain completely closed.
7 October – Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, the composer of the Ramayana, is widely celebrated, especially in North India. Cultural events, processions, and religious ceremonies lead to a school holiday in several states.
18 October – Dhanteras
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. People purchase gold, silver, and utensils on this day. Many schools declare holidays from this date onwards to allow students to take part in Diwali preparations.
20 October – Naraka Chaturdashi
The day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Celebrated just before Diwali, it is also included in the holiday calendar.
21 October – Diwali (Deepavali)
The festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated with grandeur across India. Homes are decorated with lamps, candles, and rangoli. Schools remain completely closed nationwide.
22 October – Govardhan Puja
The day after Diwali is dedicated to Govardhan Puja, marking Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill. Communities gather for rituals and feasts, and schools remain shut.
23 October – Bhai Dooj
This festival celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and schools remain closed for family gatherings and ceremonies.
27 October – Hal Shashthi (Lalai Chhath)
Observed in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, this festival is performed by mothers praying for the good health of their children. Schools in these regions stay closed.
28 October – Chhath Puja
One of the most significant festivals in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhath Puja is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. It is a four-day long ritual where families participate together, and schools remain closed for the celebrations.
October 2025 will be a festival-packed month for students, giving them continuous opportunities to enjoy and connect with family traditions. However, parents are advised to check their children’s school calendar or state education department notifications for the exact list of holidays, as dates may vary by region.
