Diwali School Holidays 2025: For students and educators, the most delightful aspect of this festival season is the extended holiday break announced nationwide. In 2025, schools across India will remain closed for an uninterrupted five-day period from October 18 (Dhanteras) to October 23 (Bhai Dooj), offering everyone time to immerse in the rich cultural of Diwali festivals.
The five-day break is strategically timed, covering key festivals like Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, the main Diwali day, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Since the exact holiday schedule must sometimes vary based on the state directives or the specific school calendar, parents and students are strongly advised to confirm the original dates with their children school administration.
What is Diwali?
Diwali is not just a festival, it is an emotion that unites millions with its message of hope, renewal, and victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Traditionally spanning five days packed with rituals, prayers, and cultural festivities, the festival marks the beginning of new ventures and prosperity.
Diwali School Holidays 2025 Schedule
The five-day holiday period elegantly traces the flow of Diwali’s major festive days, giving schools in various states a synchronized break that respects cultural diversity and tradition.
| S. No. | Festival Day | Day | Date |
| 1 | Dhanteras | Saturday | October 18, 2025 |
| 2 | Narak Chaturdashi | Sunday | October 19, 2025 |
| 3 | Chhoti Diwali | Monday | October 20, 2025 |
| 4 | Diwali (Main Festival) | Tuesday | October 21, 2025 |
| 5 | Govardhan Puja | Wednesday | October 22, 2025 |
| 6 | Bhai Dooj | Thursday | October 23, 2025 |
State-Wise School Closure Status for Diwali 2025
Most schools in northern and western India adhere strictly to the five-day holiday scheme, while southern and eastern states may vary slightly, often observing shorter holidays due to other dominant regional festivals.
Major states observing full five-day Diwali holiday:
- Delhi.
- Uttar Pradesh.
- Maharashtra.
- Gujarat.
- Rajasthan.
- Punjab.
- Haryana.
States with variations in school holidays (typically 3-4 days):
- Tamil Nadu.
- Karnataka.
- Andhra Pradesh.
- Telangana.
- West Bengal (due to Durga Puja prominence).
- Assam.
Note: Parents must check with local schools for exact closure dates, as many private institutions or education boards (CBSE, CISCE, State Boards) may have differing calendars.
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Significance of the Diwali Festival Cycle
Each day of the Diwali festival holds unique cultural and religious meaning, forming an integrated ritualistic journey.
1. Dhanteras (October 18)
The auspicious start to Diwali, Dhanteras is dedicated to wealth and health. Families buy precious metals like gold and silver, utensils, or new appliances, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It is also a day to worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer, seeking protection and wellness.
2. Narak Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (October 19)
This day commemorates the triumph of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, representing the victory of good over evil. Devotees perform Abhyang Snan, a ritualistic oil bath before sunrise, symbolizing purification and readiness for the upcoming festive lights.
3. Choti Diwali (October 20)
Often recognized as the “small Diwali,” this day sets the mood with lighting lamps and preparing sweets in anticipation of the grand celebrations the next day.
4. Diwali (Main Festival Day) / Lakshmi Puja (October 21)
The heart of the festival, Diwali, celebrates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It is marked with magnificent displays of lamps, fireworks, and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to invoke wealth and success for the year ahead.
5. Govardhan Puja (October 22)
This day honors Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to shelter villagers from torrential rains. Communities build symbolic mounds (Annakut) of food, expressing gratitude and abundance.
6. Bhai Dooj (October 23)
The concluding day of Diwali strengthens sibling bonds. Sisters apply tilak to their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their wellbeing, while brothers pledge protection.
Conclusion – Diwali School Holidays 2025
The five-day Diwali holiday from October 18 to October 23, 2025, marks an exceptionally festival and culturally rich period for students and families across India. This extended break not only honors the religious and spiritual importance of the Festival of Lights but also emphasizes the deeply rooted tradition of family unity and celebration in Indian society.
FAQ’s About Diwali School Holidays 2025
Schools will be closed from October 18 (Dhanteras) to October 23 (Bhai Dooj), covering the entire Diwali festival period.
Yes, the main Diwali day (October 21, 2025) is a nationwide public holiday, with adjacent days observed variably depending on the state.
No. Northern and western states usually observe a five-day holiday, while southern and eastern states may have shorter breaks depending on local festivals and school policies.
Many colleges, especially those affiliated with state education boards and central universities, also observe holidays during the Diwali period.
Parents should refer to official school communications, education department circulars, or local government notifications to verify precise dates.