Schools in Maharashtra to remain shut on Dussehra, October 20; Diwali break from November 2
Schools will have an official holiday on Tuesday, October 20, for Vijayadashami, and the Diwali vacation runs from November 2 to 14, with the second term starting on November 16.
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Schools in Maharashtra have been given an official holiday on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, for Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, under the holiday planning for the 2026-27 academic year. The break will let children celebrate the festival with their families.
The holiday is part of the academic calendar issued by the secondary education department of the Zilla Parishad. All recognised primary, secondary and higher secondary schools in the district will be closed on October 20. Classes will not be held as usual that day, and the holiday applies to teachers as well as students.
Schools must observe the public holidays declared by the government and the local holidays fixed by the divisional commissioner. Schools have also been told to ensure that students' studies do not suffer when holidays are planned.
The first term of the academic year began on June 15, 2026, and will run until October 31, 2026. Students will get various public holidays during this period. The key holidays in October are Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, on October 20. These holidays have been fixed according to the academic calendar.
After Dussehra, children are now waiting for the Diwali vacation. According to the available academic timetable, this year's Diwali vacation will run from Monday, November 2, 2026, to Saturday, November 14, 2026. The break will begin on Monday, November 2, and end on Saturday, November 14.
After the Diwali vacation ends, the second term will begin on Monday, November 16, 2026. These dates will help parents plan their children's holidays.
On the rules, under the government resolution and the provisions of the Secondary School Code, instructions say that holidays across the academic year should not exceed 76 days. To ensure the syllabus is completed on time, at least 230 working days are required in the year.
Overall, the Dussehra holiday on October 20 and the Diwali vacation in November will let children enjoy the festivals. However, the holiday timetable may change by district or according to notices from the education department concerned. Parents and students should therefore confirm the official timetable with their school.
