Chhath Puja 2025 school holiday October 27: Are schools open or closed in your state? Check the state-wise list

As North India gears up for the revered Chhath Puja 2025, several state governments have announced holidays for schools and colleges on Monday, 27 October. The festival, dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (Usha), is celebrated with intense devotion across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and parts of West Bengal. Families come together to observe traditional rituals, making offerings to the setting and rising sun along riverbanks, ponds, and ghats.

Delhi Declares School Holiday for Chhath Puja 2025 to Facilitate Devotees’ Participation

In the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a one-day closure of schools on 27 October for Chhath Puja. The decision, approved by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) and confirmed by the General Administration Department (GAD), allows families to observe rituals without academic interruptions. Schools and educational institutions in Delhi have also been urged to accommodate students who participate in community prayers and cultural events associated with the festival.

Bihar Extends Holidays for Chhath Puja 2025 Amid Statewide Devotional Celebrations

Bihar, where Chhath Puja is considered the most significant festival, will keep schools and colleges closed until 29 October. This extended holiday period also coincides with Diwali celebrations earlier in the month. The state government aims to provide students and families ample time to engage in the four-day fasting and prayer rituals, which include holy bathing, offering ‘arghya’ to the sun, and community gatherings along riverbanks.

Uttar Pradesh Prepares Localised School Closures for Millions Observing Chhath Puja

In Uttar Pradesh, major districts such as Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj are expected to observe school holidays on 27 October. While an official state-wide circular is awaited, several districts have proactively declared local holidays to support devotees participating in Chhath rituals. The festival sees massive participation in these regions, with thousands of families performing early morning and evening prayers along sacred rivers and water bodies.

West Bengal Observes Jagadhatri Puja Alongside Chhath, Leading to School Holidays in Selected Areas

In West Bengal, Chhath Puja is celebrated by smaller communities, while the more prominent festival at this time is Jagadhatri Puja, dedicated to Goddess Jagadhatri, symbolising patience, strength, and divine energy. Schools in Chandannagar, Krishnanagar, and Murshidabad will close on 31 October for Jagadhatri Puja, with some closures also observed on 27 and 28 October for Chhath. These holidays help students and families participate fully in the local spiritual and cultural festivities.

Significance of Chhath Puja 2025: Spiritual Devotion and Gratitude to the Sun God

Chhath Puja begins on the sixth day of the Kartik month (October–November) and is also observed as Chaiti Chhath in April by certain communities. The festival involves rigorous fasting, ritualistic offerings, and prayers to the Sun God for sustaining life and granting prosperity, health, and well-being. Millions of devotees gather along riverbanks, ghats, and ponds to perform ‘arghya’ during sunrise and sunset, making it one of India’s most visually striking and spiritually meaningful festivals.