October 2026 brings several holidays listed in the Delhi Directorate of Education's annual holiday notification, giving students and school staff a number of dates to keep in mind. The month includes Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, Dussehra-related dates and Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday. However, not every date listed in the notification represents a compulsory school closure, as the circular distinguishes between gazetted and restricted holidays.

The October holiday schedule begins with October 2, which falls on a Friday and is observed as Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. The date is listed as a gazetted holiday. Schools and staff covered by the relevant Delhi government holiday schedule are therefore expected to observe the day as a holiday.

The notification also lists several Dussehra-related dates. October 18, a Sunday, is listed as Dussehra (Saptami) and is classified as a restricted holiday. October 19, a Monday, is listed as Dussehra (Mahashtami) and is also a restricted holiday. October 20, a Tuesday, is listed as Dussehra (Mahanavmi) and is classified as a gazetted holiday, while also appearing in the restricted-holiday list.

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Another gazetted holiday falls on October 26, when Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday will be observed. October 29, a Thursday, is listed as Karaka Chaturthi, commonly known as Karva Chauth, and is classified as a restricted holiday. These dates form the six October entries included in the Delhi government's 2026 holiday notification.

Students and parents should note that restricted holidays should not automatically be treated as school-wide holidays. The notification states that an employee is entitled to avail of any two restricted holidays during 2026. Whether a school remains closed on a restricted holiday can therefore depend on the applicable rules and the institution's holiday schedule.

The Delhi Directorate of Education circular has been issued to government, government-aided and recognised unaided private schools in the national capital for information and necessary action. Parents and students are advised to check their school's individual academic calendar or official communication before assuming that a restricted holiday will result in a school closure.

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