India school holidays: Regional closures expected for festivals and protests

Various regions in India are anticipating school holidays between late August and early September due to religious festivals and local protests.

In several northern and western states, including Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, schools are expected to observe a holiday on August 28 for Raksha Bandhan. In Kerala, the state government has declared holidays from August 25 to August 28 to observe Onam.

In Punjab, students may face disruptions due to a statewide Maha Hartal called by government employees and pensioners on August 27 regarding Dearness Allowance and pension demands. While government schools may face closures or disruptions due to staff participation, private schools may continue normal operations. The holiday status for Saturday, August 29, remains dependent on individual school calendars and institutional policies.