As India gears up for the festival of lights on October 20, several states have finalised extended school holidays to allow students and families to immerse themselves in Diwali celebrations, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and regional festivities like Chhath Puja. Rajasthan kicked off its break on October 13, providing an early respite, while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar will follow from October 20. These announcements, aligned with the Kartik Amavasya tithi from October 20 afternoon to October 21 evening, ensure the auspicious Lakshmi Puja falls within the holidays, blending tradition with academic relief in a year marked by festive anticipation.

In Rajasthan, the Directorate of Secondary Education, led by Sitaram Jat, revised the schedule to commence holidays today, October 13, shifting from the original October 16-27 plan without altering the total duration. Schools across government and private sectors will remain closed until October 24, granting a 12-day break inclusive of the October 12 Sunday. This adjustment accommodates local travel and preparations, enabling participation in Diwali rangoli, fireworks, and family gatherings. With over 1.5 crore students affected, the move has been welcomed as a thoughtful alignment with cultural imperatives, though educators urge completing pending assessments beforehand.

Bihar's Education Department has declared a robust 10-day shutdown from October 20 to 29, encompassing Diwali on October 20 and the revered Chhath Puja starting October 26, a sun-worshipping festival central to the state's Bihari Hindu identity. Applicable to all districts, including Patna and Gaya, the break extends the October 18-19 weekend, totalling 12 days off for nearly 2 crore students. Officials emphasised resuming classes promptly on October 30 to mitigate syllabus disruptions, amid concerns over post-festive learning gaps in rural areas where Chhath involves community rituals by riversides.

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Uttar Pradesh offers a concise yet continuous four-day festive window from October 20 to 23, covering Diwali, Govardhan Puja on October 22, and Bhai Dooj on October 23, bookended by the October 19 Sunday for a five-day effective break. The state order mandates compliance for government, aided, and private institutions, benefiting around 2.5 crore learners in a region where Diwali symbolises prosperity and sibling bonds.

Meanwhile, Karnataka's schools, already closed from October 8 to 18 for a statewide caste census under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, provide an inadvertent pre-Diwali breather, highlighting administrative priorities over pure festivity. These varied schedules reflect India's federal diversity, fostering joy while parents are advised to monitor official notifications for any last-minute tweaks.

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