State education departments and institutional academic calendars have outlined several non-instructional days during the month, with dates varying by region.

Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Dola Jatra, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa and Chaitra Navratri are among the principal observances expected to impact the March 2026 school holiday schedule in India.

Holi school holiday 2026: Closures in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar and other states

Holi will be observed on March 4, 2026, and most schools and colleges are expected to remain closed on the day. In several states, the festival may result in extended breaks depending on local notifications.

Uttar Pradesh is likely to record one of the longest Holi holidays in 2026, with institutions expected to close for up to three days around the festival. The state has also notified March 2 as a holiday for Holika Dahan.

Apart from Uttar Pradesh, states including Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand are also expected to declare school closures for Holi. In some regions, a two-day holiday has been announced in view of local celebrations.

In Assam, Holi is celebrated as Dola Jatra. Educational institutions there typically remain closed in accordance with regional customs and state government orders.

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Eid al-Fitr 2026: School closure subject to moon sighting

Ramadan began on February 19, 2026. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month, is expected to fall on March 21, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon.

Schools and colleges across India traditionally remain closed on Eid al-Fitr. However, as the date depends on lunar observation, official confirmation of the Eid holiday will be issued closer to the festival.

Students and parents are advised to monitor state government notifications for confirmation of the Eid al-Fitr school holiday in March 2026.

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Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti holidays

Ram Navami will be observed on March 26, 2026. In many states, educational institutions remain closed on this occasion, which is marked by religious events and community programmes.

Mahavir Jayanti falls on March 31, 2026. It is generally observed as a public holiday in several states, leading to the closure of government offices, schools and colleges.

Ugadi, Gudi Padwa and regional observances

Ugadi, Gudi Padwa and Chaitra Navratri are scheduled for March 19, 2026. These festivals are widely celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Schools and colleges in these states are expected to remain closed in line with state public holiday notifications.

Holiday schedules in March 2026 may also be influenced by board examinations, institutional academic calendars and weekends. Education authorities have advised students and parents to consult official school calendars or contact school administrations directly to confirm exact holiday dates.