Telangana School Holidays 2026: Sankranti & Kanuma Extended Till January 16

The Telangana School Education Department has announced an extension of Sankranti (Pongal) holidays for all schools across the state till January 16, 2026.

Earlier, schools in Hyderabad and other districts were scheduled to observe Pongal holidays from January 10 to January 15, 2026. However, following official orders issued by the Director of School Education, Telangana, the General Administration Department (GAD) has declared January 16, 2026, coinciding with Kanuma, as an optional holiday for schools.

This extension of Sankranti holidays allows students and teachers to celebrate the festive season in a more relaxed manner. The festival of Sankranti, also called Pongal in neighboring states, is a major harvest festival observed with enthusiasm across Telangana. It marks the beginning of the auspicious month of Thai and is celebrated with traditional rituals, cultural programs, kite flying, and family gatherings. Kanuma, which falls on the fourth day of the festival, is dedicated to cattle worship and agricultural activities.

Schools across the state, including government, private, and aided institutions, will now remain closed from January 10 to January 16, 2026. The optional holiday on Kanuma provides families an opportunity to take part in festive traditions, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where Sankranti celebrations are integral to local customs. Educational authorities have also advised schools to plan academic calendars accordingly and ensure that the extended break does not impact syllabus completion.

The extended Sankranti holidays in Telangana come as a relief to parents and students, giving them more time to enjoy festival celebrations, travel, and cultural activities. Authorities emphasize the importance of celebrating safely and responsibly while observing local health and safety protocols. Students and parents are encouraged to plan their activities and commute in advance, as some regions may experience increased traffic during the festival period.

Overall, the extension of Sankranti holidays till January 16, 2026, reflects the Telangana government's commitment to supporting traditional celebrations while balancing educational priorities. Schools are expected to reopen on January 17, 2026, with regular classes resuming across all districts.