Diwali 2025 School Holidays: Will Schools Be Closed on 20th or 21st October?

Diwali 2025 is just around the corner, and students across India are eagerly awaiting the festive break. While Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, confusion persists over whether schools will remain closed only on this day or extend the holiday to October 21 for Govardhan Puja. Here’s a complete guide on the Diwali 2025 school holidays for CBSE, ICSE, and state board students.

Standard Diwali 2025 Holiday Schedule Across India

The typical Diwali break in 2025 is set to start on October 18 and end on October 23. During this period, students usually get time off for the major festive days, including:

• Dhanteras – October 18, 2025 (Saturday)
• Chhoti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi – October 19, 2025 (Sunday)
• Diwali – October 20, 2025 (Monday)
• Govardhan Puja – October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Bhai Dooj – October 23, 2025 (Thursday)

While this schedule is standard for most schools, variations exist depending on state-specific calendars and board affiliations.

CBSE and ICSE School Holiday Pattern

Most CBSE and ICSE schools are expected to follow the national holiday schedule from October 18 to 23, 2025. These schools observe leave for all five key days of the festival. However, schools located in states with additional local festivals may extend or adjust the schedule as per local authorities’ instructions.

State-Wise Variations in Diwali Holidays

Several state education departments have issued unique notifications regarding school holidays for Diwali 2025. These variations often occur due to:

• Local festivals such as Chhath Puja
• Regional observances affecting the holiday duration
• Administrative or board-specific decisions

Hence, students in some states may enjoy extended holidays beyond the standard six-day break.

Advisory for Students and Parents

While the Diwali 2025 school holiday calendar is broadly defined, parents and students are advised to:

• Confirm holiday dates directly with the school administration
• Keep track of state-specific announcements and board notifications
• Note that private and government schools may adjust breaks based on local customs or administrative requirements

This ensures that there is no confusion about which days schools are actually closed.

In summary, Diwali 2025 falls on October 20, and most schools across India are expected to be closed for the festival. Some schools may extend holidays for Govardhan Puja on October 22. Checking with your school is the best way to plan family celebrations without any last-minute surprises.