Many schools and colleges across several Indian states are observing holidays for the important festival of Chhath Puja. Students and parents in regions like Delhi , Bihar , Uttar Pradesh , and Jharkhand need to be aware of these closures. Most government-run educational institutions will remain shut on Monday, October 27 , marking a public holiday for the festival. In some areas, the holiday period may be longer. Private schools and colleges might have their own specific schedules, so checking with them directly is always advisable.
Chhath Puja Holidays Across States
State governments have officially announced these closures through separate orders. This ensures that students, teachers, and staff can participate in or observe Chhath Puja, a significant cultural and religious event, especially prominent in eastern India.
Delhi: All Schools and Colleges Closed on October 27
In the National Capital Territory of Delhi , all educational institutions, including both government and private schools, as well as colleges, will observe a holiday on Monday, October 27 . This decision came after the Delhi Chief Minister's proposal to declare Chhath Puja as a public holiday, which was then approved by the Lieutenant Governor. To help devotees celebrate, the city administration has prepared approximately 1,300 Chhath ghats at various locations. These ghats are designated spots, often near water bodies, where people gather to perform evening prayers to the setting Sun, an important ritual of the festival.
Bihar: Extended Break for Diwali and Chhath Puja
The state of Bihar , where Chhath Puja is celebrated with immense devotion, has announced an extended vacation period. The state education department has confirmed that both schools and higher education institutes will stay closed until Wednesday, October 29 . This extended break includes holidays for both the Diwali festival and Chhath Puja. Students and teachers in Bihar can expect classes to resume from Thursday, October 30 . This longer break ensures that families have ample time to celebrate both major festivals.
Uttar Pradesh: Specific Cities on Holiday, Some May Extend
District authorities in Uttar Pradesh have also declared a holiday on October 27 . This one-day closure applies to schools and colleges in key cities such as Varanasi , Gorakhpur , and Lucknow . Students and parents in other parts of Uttar Pradesh should check their local district administration's announcements. It is possible that some specific areas might extend the break to include Tuesday, October 28 , depending on local customs and the intensity of Chhath Puja celebrations in those regions.
Jharkhand and West Bengal: Closures in Key Cities
Following similar decisions by other states, local administrations in Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal have also announced school and college closures. In Jharkhand , educational institutions in cities like Ranchi and Dhanbad will be closed on Monday, October 27 . Similarly, in West Bengal , schools and colleges in areas such as Asansol will also observe the holiday on the same day. These institutions are scheduled to reopen and resume normal classes from Tuesday, October 28 .
Understanding Chhath Puja: A Sacred Festival
Chhath Puja is a revered ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and his wife Chhathi Maiya. The festival is primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal, as well as in Nepal. It is observed to thank the Sun God for sustaining life on Earth and to ask for blessings of prosperity, health, and well-being for family members. The rituals involve holy bathing, fasting (without water) for 36 hours, standing in water for long periods, and offering prayers and food to the rising and setting sun. The main day for offering evening prayers, known as Sandhya Arghya, falls on October 27 this year. On this day, devotees gather at riverbanks, ponds, or artificial ghats to offer Arghya (offerings) to the setting sun.
Important Note for Students and Parents
It is crucial for students and their parents to understand that while state governments issue these general holiday orders for public institutions, private schools and colleges often have their own internal holiday calendars. These private institutions may choose to follow the government holiday, observe a different day, or have a shorter/longer break. Therefore, to avoid any confusion or missed classes, everyone is strongly advised to directly contact their respective school or college administration. This will ensure they receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific holiday dates and the scheduled resumption of classes.
