School Holidays in India 2024-2025

Have you ever wondered how school holidays in India are planned and who decides them? With a country as diverse as India, school and public holidays often vary depending on region, religion, and even the type of school. Knowing these holidays can help families plan their year better, ensuring that children get the most out of their time off. In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at school holidays in India for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025, including term breaks and public holidays.

Public Holidays in India 2024-2025

National Holidays in India Observed by All States

India has numerous public holidays, many of which are national holidays observed by all states. These holidays are usually announced by the central government and observed nationwide. Schools and businesses typically close on those days. For the academic year 2024-2025, the national holidays which all states observe are:

• Independence Day (15th August 2024): Marks the country’s freedom from British rule in 1947 and is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and patriotic speeches across the nation.
• Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October 2024): Celebrating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, this day is observed with tributes to his non-violent struggle for India’s independence and is also designated as the International Day of Non-Violence.
• Republic Day (26th January 2025): Commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, celebrated with a grand parade in New Delhi showcasing India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and achievements.
• Idul Fitr (31st March 2025): Marks the end of the Ramazan fasting period and is celebrated with feasts, gifts and religious rituals.

For the complete list of gazetted holidays, please visit the calendar posted on the national government website.

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National Holidays in India Observed by Most States 2024-2025

Apart from these major national holidays which all states observe, the following holidays are observed by most states:

• Idul Fitr (11 April 2024): Marks the end of Ramadan with prayers and feasts for the Muslim community. Eid-ul-Fitr is a significant cultural and religious celebration observed by Muslims worldwide.
• Dr Ambedkar Jayanti (14 April 2024): Celebrates the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution.
• Ram Navami (17 April 2024): Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama in Hindu tradition.
• Bakrid / Eid al-Adha (17 June 2024): Commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
• Muharram (17 July 2024): Marks the Islamic New Year and the martyrdom of Imam Hussain.
• Janmashtami (26 August 2024): Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.
• Eid e Milad (16 September 2024): Commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
• Vijaya Dashami (13 October 2024): Marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the triumph of good over evil.
• Guru Nanak Jayanti (15 November 2024): Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
• Maha Shivaratri (26 February 2025): Dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.
• Holi (14 March 2025): Celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Whether there is a public holiday for the above holidays depends on the state. For your specific state’s holiday schedule, please check the state government website, such as Delhi and Punjab.

Restricted Holidays in India 2024-25

Restricted holidays, also known as optional holidays, are not necessarily observed by all institutions but hold significant cultural and religious importance. Individuals or communities can choose to observe these holidays. Here are the major restricted holidays in India for the academic year 2024-2025: :

• Eid al-Fitr (10th April 2025): Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic festival observed with prayers, feasts, and charity, particularly in states with significant Muslim populations like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, and Telangana, though the exact date may vary based on the moon sighting.
• Christmas (25th December 2024): Christmas is a global Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, widely celebrated in states such as Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and northeastern states like Nagaland and Mizoram, with church services, gift exchanges, and festive meals.
• Diwali (31st October 2024): Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated across most of India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Delhi, where homes are illuminated with lamps, fireworks are set off, and sweets are exchanged, symbolising the victory of light over darkness.

On national and state public holidays, all schools and most businesses close. Parents are advised to arrange for childcare in advance.

State-Specific School Holidays

India’s vast and diverse landscape means that school holidays can vary significantly from one state to another. Each state has its own set of holidays that reflect its unique cultural and religious heritage. For instance, schools in Uttar Pradesh might observe holidays like Makar Sankranti and Lohri, which are significant in the northern part of India. In contrast, schools in Karnataka celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava, a day dedicated to the state’s formation and cultural pride.

Here are the major state-specific holidays determined based on local customs and religions:

• Pongal (15th - 18th January 2025): Pongal is a major harvest festival in Tamil Nadu celebrated with great fervour, but it is not widely observed in northern states of India.
• Durga Puja (9th - 13th October 2024): Durga Puja is a grand religious festival widely celebrated in West Bengal and parts of northeastern India, but it is not a public holiday in states like Kerala or Gujarat.
• Onam (20th - 30th August 2024): Onam is a significant harvest festival celebrated in Kerala with cultural events, boat races, and feasts, whereas Ganesh Chaturthi (7th September 2024) is widely observed in Maharashtra, honouring the birth of Lord Ganesha.
• Ugadi (29th March 2025): Ugadi is the New Year festival for the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, while Baisakhi (13th April 2025) marks the Sikh New Year and is a major harvest festival in Punjab.
• Buddha Purnima (22nd May 2025): States with a significant Buddhist population, like Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, may observe holidays like Buddha Purnima, which might not be a public holiday in other states.
• Eid al Adha (17th - 18th June 2024): Eid al Adha is a significant Islamic festival observed with prayers and feasts, particularly in states with significant Muslim populations.

Parents and students must check the specific holiday list for their state to plan their activities and vacations accordingly. State government websites and school notices are reliable sources for the most accurate and updated holiday schedules.

Public and Private School Term Breaks in India 2024-2025

Public School Term Breaks

Public schools in India usually follow the state’s guidelines for holidays and term breaks for the upcoming academic year. These schools often have breaks during significant festivals such as Dussehra and Diwali in the north or Onam and Pongal in the south.

In general, the term break schedule in the 2024-2025 academic year looks like the following:

• Summer Break: 15th May 2024 – 30th June 2024. In northern India, the break may extend until 5th July 2024, while in southern states, the break may start earlier, around 25th April 2024, and end in early June 2024.
• Autumn Break: 25th October 2024 – 5th November 2024. This break is typically aligned with Diwali (31st October 2024), and some schools may have a shorter break of around 5-7 days.
• Winter Break (2024-2025): 20th December 2024 – 5th January 2025. In regions with colder winters (like northern India), the break may be longer, typically extending from late December through to early January, while southern and western regions might have a shorter break from 23rd December 2024 – 1st January 2025.

The term break dates vary significantly depending on the type of school (CBSE schools, ICSE schools, State Board schools, and international schools) and the region where the school is located. Schools situated in hilly regions typically have longer winter breaks compared to those in other colder areas. For the exact holiday and term break dates, students and parents are advised to confirm with their specific school and state, such as this school holiday calendar released by the state of Delhi.

Private School Term Breaks

Private schools, especially international ones, may have more extended breaks or different schedules, aligned with the IB curriculum or other international programs. International schools including those offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme tend to have mid-year and end-of-year breaks that are longer than public schools. Discussions on the holidays within the international school context are essential for expatriate families. To navigate the IB curriculum in India, parents can read more on The IB in India: Schools and Guidance.

Having a comprehensive school holiday list is crucial for planning vacations and managing schedules, as it details month-wise breaks and specific holidays observed by schools across India.

For instance, most IB schools in India will have summer breaks starting in May and winter breaks around December. These breaks offer a great opportunity for students to explore co-curricular activities or pursue additional academic assistance, such as seeking tutoring from the Best Tutoring Companies in India.

Summer and Winter Vacations 2024-2025

Summer and winter vacations are two of the most significant breaks in the academic year, providing students with a much-needed respite from their studies. These vacations allow students to recharge and prepare for the upcoming academic sessions, making them an essential part of the school calendar.

Summer Vacation 2024-2025

Summer vacation in India typically starts in May or June and lasts for about two months, coinciding with the hottest months of the year. The exact dates of summer vacation can vary by school and region, but it generally provides a substantial break for students to relax and engage in various activities. During this time, students can participate in summer camps, sports, cultural events, and even travel with their families. These activities not only provide entertainment but also help in the overall development of the students.

Winter Vacation 2024-2025

Winter vacation in India usually starts in December and lasts for about 2-3 weeks, aligning with the Christmas and New Year holidays. The exact dates can vary by school, but this break offers students a chance to enjoy the festive season with their families. Activities during winter vacation can include winter sports, cultural events, and family gatherings. This period is also an excellent opportunity for students to catch up on their studies or pursue hobbies and interests that they might not have time for during the regular school term.

By understanding the timing and significance of these vacations, families can better plan their activities and ensure that students make the most of their time off from school.

List of School Holiday Activities Ideas

Wondering how to keep your child engaged during school holidays? Here are five activity ideas to consider:

• Private Tutoring: Ensure your child stays on top of their studies by enrolling them in private tutoring sessions. Services like IB tutors in India offer tailored guidance to help students stay ahead in subjects like Maths and Science.
• Outdoor Sports Camps: Many schools and organisations host sports camps during the holidays. These camps help children stay active while also learning new skills in a fun, interactive environment. Look out for cricket, football, and tennis camps in your region.
• Creative Workshops: Let your child’s imagination soar by enrolling them in creative workshops that teach everything from painting to digital art. Many cities in India offer such programs during school breaks.
• STEM Programs: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs are a great way for kids to learn problem-solving skills and engage with new technologies. Programmes like robotics and coding are a great supplement for academic studies in maths and science.
• Language Learning: The holidays are a fantastic time for students to pick up a new language or enhance their existing language skills. Several schools offer short courses, especially those under.

Conclusion

School holidays in India vary widely depending on the type of school, the region, and the academic program being followed. From public schools to international schools, there’s a holiday calendar to suit every family's needs. Whether you're planning for a short vacation or scheduling private tutoring, understanding the holiday schedule for 2024-2025 will help you make the most of your child's time off.