The celebration of Diwali in November 2026 is set to follow a series of festivals including Durga Puja, Dussehra, Bathukamma in Telangana, and Golu in Tamil Nadu. As the month begins, students will have the opportunity to enjoy a break from school, coinciding with various festivities such as Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja in Bihar, and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Diwali, which falls on November 8, is expected to bring joy and celebration across the country.
Impact of Diwali’s Timing on Holidays
Although Diwali is celebrated on a Sunday, which traditionally does not provide an additional holiday for many employees, students in various states may still benefit from an extended break. Some states have planned longer holidays around the festival, while others will observe shorter breaks. This discrepancy arises from regional practices and the scheduling of school holidays in relation to local customs.
Following Diwali, additional holidays include Govardhan Puja on November 9 and Bhai Dooj on November 11. Additionally, Chhath Puja will take place on November 15. The arrangement of holidays may vary significantly across different states, reflecting local traditions and celebrations.
Key holidays in November have been officially designated as either Gazetted or Restricted holidays. For instance, November 1 marks several regional holidays, while November 8 is designated as a Gazetted holiday for Diwali. Such classifications help in understanding the specific days when schools will be closed.
State-Specific Holiday Details
In Bihar, the holiday schedule includes Diwali on November 8, followed by Chitragupta Pooja and Bhai Dooj on November 10 and 11, respectively. The observance of Chhath Puja extends from November 13 to November 16, highlighting the importance of this festival in the region. Similarly, Haryana observes Govardhan Puja on November 9 and Chhath Puja on November 15, while Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti falls on November 24.
Punjab’s holiday calendar includes Diwali on November 8 and Govardhan Puja on November 9, alongside several other significant days such as Guru Gaddi Diwas on November 11 and Chhath Puja on November 15. These holidays reflect the cultural diversity and significance of various festivals celebrated in the state.
Other states also have their unique holiday schedules. For example, Assam celebrates Kuki Chavang Kut on November 1 and Kali Puja along with Diwali on November 8. Goa observes Bhaubij on November 11 as a Restricted holiday, while Odisha marks Rahas Purnima on November 24. West Bengal has Bhratridwitiya on November 11, and Uttar Pradesh includes several holidays around the same period, including Narak Chaturdashi and Govardhan Puja.
Conclusion on Holiday Observances
The holiday calendar for November 2026 reflects a rich tapestry of cultural celebrations across India. While Diwali falls on a Sunday, the variations in holiday observances across states ensure that students can enjoy significant breaks during this festive month. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has issued a circular detailing these holidays, providing clarity for educational institutions and families alike.
As the festive season approaches, the anticipation for the holidays continues to grow, with families preparing to celebrate together. The diverse range of festivals in November not only highlights regional traditions but also fosters a sense of unity and joy among the populace.
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