Onam to Durga Puja: Complete List of School Holidays in September 2025

September 2025 is packed with major festivals and regional events, resulting in several school holidays across India. From Onam celebrations in Kerala to Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and later Durga Puja in West Bengal and eastern states, students will enjoy multiple breaks this month.

The holiday schedule varies by state depending on local traditions and government notifications. Parents and students are advised to check the official holiday circulars issued by their state education departments or schools for exact dates.

September 2025 School Holidays: Festivals and Celebrations

The month of September 2025 is lined up with important festivals, making it one of the busiest months for school holidays across India. Educational institutions, particularly schools, colleges, and universities, remain closed on specific days depending on regional customs and state government orders.

From Onam in the southern states to Durga Puja in the east, each region has its own festive calendar. While some schools observe only gazetted holidays, others declare additional closures for regional festivals.

Major School Holidays in September 2025

Below is a festival-wise list of school holidays in September 2025. Dates may slightly vary depending on state notifications and lunar calendars.

1. Onam (September 4, 2025)

Celebrated mainly in Kerala, Onam marks the return of King Mahabali. Schools in Kerala and regions with Malayali communities remain closed for Thiruvonam and related festivities.

2. Ganesh Chaturthi (September 8, 2025)

A grand festival in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Goa. Many schools remain closed for the installation and immersion of Lord Ganesha idols.

3. Eid-e-Milad / Milad-un-Nabi (September 15, 2025)

A significant festival for the Muslim community, observed across multiple states. Most schools declare a holiday.

4. Mahalaya Amavasya (September 21, 2025)

Especially important in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura, as it marks the beginning of Durga Puja rituals. Schools in these states remain closed or operate on half-day schedules.

5. Durga Puja (September 28-30, 2025)

One of the biggest festivals in eastern India. Schools remain closed for several days in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Bihar, and Jharkhand. The holidays may extend into early October 2025, depending on local schedules.

Regional Variations in School Holidays (September 2025)

Southern India - Long breaks during Onam in Kerala and Ganesh Chaturthi in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Western India - Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated with enthusiasm in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa.

Eastern & Northeastern India - Extended school closures during Durga Puja and Mahalaya.

Northern India - Schools in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab may have fewer holidays in September, except for Eid-e-Milad.

Why Parents & Students Should Check Official Notices

While these holidays are part of the national and regional holiday calendar, the exact dates may vary by school. CBSE, ICSE, and state board schools often release monthly academic calendars specifying holidays, examination schedules, and working days.

Parents are advised to:

• Check the official holiday circulars issued by state education departments.
• Verify dates on the school's official website or notice board.
• Plan travel, extracurricular activities, and studies accordingly.

September 2025: A Month of Cultural Diversity

The festive holidays in September highlight India's cultural and religious diversity. While students enjoy the holidays, schools also encourage celebrating the spirit of festivals through cultural events, special assemblies, and awareness programs before the official break.

Conclusion

From Onam on September 4 to Durga Puja at the end of the month, September 2025 offers a packed schedule of school holidays across India. Each state observes holidays according to its unique cultural traditions, making this month special for students. Parents should ensure they are aware of the official school calendar to manage academics alongside celebrations.