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School Holidays in July 2026: State-wise School Holiday List, Festival Dates & School Closure Schedule
July is a month filled with important festivals, regional celebrations, and commemorative observances across India. While schools generally remain open during most weekdays, several states announce holidays for local festivals and significant occasions. Parents, students, and teachers often look for the School Holidays in July 2026 calendar to plan academic schedules, travel, and family events.
The list of school holidays varies from state to state, as many observances are based on regional traditions and state government notifications. Major holidays expected during July 2026 include Rath Yatra, Harela, Guru Purnima, and Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day. Schools may also remain closed on Sundays and on any additional holidays declared by state governments or local district administrations.
State-wise School Holidays in July 2026
| Date | Occasion | State-wise Schools May Remain Closed |
| July 5, 12, 19, 26 | Sundays | All States and Union Territories |
| July 16, 2026 | Rath Yatra | Odisha, Gujarat, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and selected regions where the festival is widely celebrated |
| July 16, 2026 | Harela | Uttarakhand |
| July 29, 2026 | Guru Purnima | Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and several other states (subject to state notification) |
| July 31, 2026 | Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day | Punjab and selected educational institutions |
*Holiday declarations are subject to official state government and school notifications.
Note: The final list of holidays may vary depending on notifications issued by individual state governments, education departments, and local authorities.
July 16, 2026 - Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated primarily in Odisha, especially in Puri. The festival marks the annual chariot procession of Jagannath, along with Balabhadra and Subhadra. Thousands of devotees participate in grand processions, and schools in Odisha and several other states often remain closed to facilitate celebrations.
July 16, 2026 - Harela
Harela is a popular festival celebrated in Uttarakhand to welcome the monsoon and promote environmental conservation. People sow seeds, plant saplings, and pray for prosperity, agricultural abundance, and a healthy environment. Schools across Uttarakhand generally observe a holiday on this occasion.
July 29, 2026 - Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is dedicated to expressing gratitude to teachers, mentors, and spiritual guides. The festival commemorates Vyasa, who is traditionally regarded as the author of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas. Many schools organize special assemblies before the holiday, while several states declare a school holiday in observance of the festival.
July 31, 2026 - Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day
Udham Singh is remembered on his martyrdom day for his sacrifice during India's freedom struggle. He was executed on July 31, 1940, after assassinating Michael O'Dwyer in retaliation for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Educational institutions in Punjab and some neighboring regions may remain closed or organize tribute programs to honor his legacy.
Why School Holidays Differ Across States
India follows a decentralized education system, allowing each state government to prepare its own academic calendar and holiday schedule. School holidays may differ due to:
- Regional festivals and cultural traditions.
- Birth and death anniversaries of prominent leaders.
- Local fairs and religious observances.
- Weather-related closures.
- State government notifications and district-level decisions.
Private schools may also adopt slightly different holiday calendars based on their management policies while complying with government regulations.
Tips for Students and Parents
- Check your school's official holiday calendar regularly.
- Follow announcements from the state education department.
- Plan vacations only after confirming holiday dates.
- Keep track of any compensatory classes or revised academic schedules.
- Stay updated with district-level notifications in case of changes.
Conclusion
The School Holidays in July 2026 include several important festivals and commemorative occasions such as Rath Yatra, Harela, Guru Purnima, and Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day, in addition to regular Sunday holidays. Since holiday declarations vary across states and educational boards, students and parents should refer to official notifications issued by their respective schools and state governments. Staying informed about the holiday schedule helps families plan celebrations, travel, and academic activities more effectively while ensuring students do not miss important school updates.
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