As October 2024 approaches, students and parents are excited for the upcoming school holidays. This month is filled with important holidays and festivals, giving students a much-needed break from their studies.
The month marks at least seven holidays for schools and educational institutions.
Here’s the full list of school holidays in October 2024.
Gandhi Jayanti and Mahalya Amavasya
The month starts with Gandhi Jayanti on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, a national holiday to celebrate the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Schools across India will be closed.
On the same day, Mahalya Amavasya is observed, which marks the end of the Pitru Paksha period and the start of Devi Paksha. Many Hindu families perform rituals to honour their ancestors on this day.
Durga Puja
The second week of October is filled with Durga Puja celebrations. The festival starts with Maha Saptami on Thursday, October 10, 2024, and is followed by Maha Ashtami on Friday, October 11, 2024, and Maha Navami on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The celebrations end with Vijaya Dashami on Sunday, October 13, 2024, which marks the victory of good over evil.
Schools in many regions will be closed for Durga Puja, giving students the opportunity to enjoy the festivities with their families.
Valmiki Jayanti and Lakshmi Puja
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, schools will be closed for Valmiki Jayanti and Lakshmi Puja (Bengali). Valmiki Jayanti celebrates the birth of the sage Valmiki, who wrote the epic Ramayana. Schools often organize events to teach students about his life and contributions.
Lakshmi Puja is an important festival for Bengali families, who worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. On this day, people perform special prayers and rituals at home.
Diwali
The month ends with Diwali, one of India’s biggest festivals, on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Schools will be closed to allow families to celebrate this festival of lights, which involves lighting lamps, decorating homes, and enjoying sweets. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, and many schools may give extra holidays before the festival to help families prepare.
Full List of Holidays in October 2024
Gandhi Jayanti, Mahalya Amavasya: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Maha Saptami: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Maha Ashtami: Friday, October 11, 2024
Maha Navami: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Vijaya Dashami: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Valmiki Jayanti, Lakshmi Puja (Bengali): Thursday, October 17, 2024
Diwali: Thursday, October 31, 2024
(With TOI inputs)
The month marks at least seven holidays for schools and educational institutions.
Here’s the full list of school holidays in October 2024.
Gandhi Jayanti and Mahalya Amavasya
The month starts with Gandhi Jayanti on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, a national holiday to celebrate the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. Schools across India will be closed.
On the same day, Mahalya Amavasya is observed, which marks the end of the Pitru Paksha period and the start of Devi Paksha. Many Hindu families perform rituals to honour their ancestors on this day.
Durga Puja
The second week of October is filled with Durga Puja celebrations. The festival starts with Maha Saptami on Thursday, October 10, 2024, and is followed by Maha Ashtami on Friday, October 11, 2024, and Maha Navami on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The celebrations end with Vijaya Dashami on Sunday, October 13, 2024, which marks the victory of good over evil.
Schools in many regions will be closed for Durga Puja, giving students the opportunity to enjoy the festivities with their families.
Valmiki Jayanti and Lakshmi Puja
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, schools will be closed for Valmiki Jayanti and Lakshmi Puja (Bengali). Valmiki Jayanti celebrates the birth of the sage Valmiki, who wrote the epic Ramayana. Schools often organize events to teach students about his life and contributions.
Lakshmi Puja is an important festival for Bengali families, who worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. On this day, people perform special prayers and rituals at home.
Diwali
The month ends with Diwali, one of India’s biggest festivals, on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Schools will be closed to allow families to celebrate this festival of lights, which involves lighting lamps, decorating homes, and enjoying sweets. Diwali is a time for family gatherings, and many schools may give extra holidays before the festival to help families prepare.
Full List of Holidays in October 2024
Gandhi Jayanti, Mahalya Amavasya: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Maha Saptami: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Maha Ashtami: Friday, October 11, 2024
Maha Navami: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Vijaya Dashami: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Valmiki Jayanti, Lakshmi Puja (Bengali): Thursday, October 17, 2024
Diwali: Thursday, October 31, 2024
(With TOI inputs)
