Maharashtra Schools to Observe 13-Day Diwali Break in 2026
Maharashtra's Education Department has announced a 13-day holiday for schools during Diwali from November 2 to November 14, 2026.
Schools will be closed from November 2 to November 14, 2026.
The break includes significant festivals like Dhanteras and Diwali Padwa.
Schools must not alter holiday dates without prior approval from authorities.
In a recent announcement, the Education Department of Maharashtra revealed that schools across the state will observe a 13-day Diwali vacation from November 2 to November 14, 2026. Classes for the second semester are scheduled to resume on November 16. This holiday period is designed to coincide with important festive occasions, providing students and staff with a well-deserved break during one of the most celebrated times of the year.
The holiday schedule is applicable to all recognized primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools in Maharashtra. The break encompasses several key festivities, including Dhanteras on November 6, Diwali Padwa on November 10, and Bhaubij on November 11. This extended break allows families to plan gatherings and travel, as reported by Pune Mirror.
In order to maintain consistency in the academic calendar, the Education Department has mandated that schools cannot independently change the holiday schedule. Any requests for modifications to accommodate local festivals must be approved by the relevant educational authorities. This regulation is in line with the Secondary School Code, which stipulates that the total number of holidays in an academic year should not exceed 76 days, while ensuring at least 230 working days are completed.
According to the academic calendar, the first semester of the 2026-27 academic year commenced on June 15, 2026, and will conclude on October 31. Following the Diwali break, the second semester will run from November 16 until May 1, 2027. The summer vacation is slated to begin on May 3, 2027, and last until June 14. The upcoming academic year is expected to start after the summer break, adhering to the official schedule.
With the holiday dates now confirmed, parents are encouraged to begin planning their festive activities and travel. They should also stay updated with any additional notices from school administrations regarding the vacation and the resumption of classes on November 16. This proactive approach will help ensure a smooth transition back to school after the Diwali festivities.
