August school holidays 2025: Full list of breaks for students
August is often a busy month for students across India, filled with academic schedules, Independence Day activities, and mid-term assessments. But it also offers a series of public holidays and regional observances that can bring a much-needed pause.August stands out because it includes national celebrations like Independence Day, along with various state-specific observances and religious festivals. While some holidays are limited to specific regions or communities, others bring long weekends that are useful for both rest and preparation. Whether you’re planning a study break, or simply catching up on assignments, here’s a list of school holidays in August 2025 to help you plan better.
School holidays in August 2025: Key national dates
Here are the major holidays that apply across most schools in India:• August 9 (Saturday) – Raksha BandhanRaksha Bandhan is widely celebrated in northern and central India to honour the bond between siblings. Schools in many states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, usually declare a holiday on this day.• August 13 – 17 (Wednesday – Sunday) – Jhulan PurnimaObserved mainly in West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of eastern India, Jhulan Purnima celebrates the divine swing festival of Radha and Krishna. Some regional schools may remain closed during this period.• August 15 (Friday) – Independence DayIndependence Day is a national holiday across all Indian states. Most schools observe the occasion with flag hoisting and cultural programs, followed by a day off.• August 16 (Saturday) – JanmashtamiJanmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is a public holiday in many states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Depending on regional tradition, schools may declare a holiday either on August 16 or the preceding/following day.• August 26 – 28 (Tuesday – Thursday) – OnamOnam is Kerala’s biggest harvest festival, celebrated with cultural events, pookalam (flower rangoli), and traditional feasts. Schools across Kerala typically remain closed for multiple days, especially around Thiruvonam, the festival’s main day.• August 27 (Wednesday) – Ganesh ChaturthiGanesh Chaturthi is an official holiday in states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana. Schools in these regions remain closed to allow students to participate in rituals, home celebrations, and public processions.In addition to national holidays, several region-specific observances may apply based on your state’s academic calendar or school board guidelines.
Will there be a long weekend?
Yes, students may get a long weekend from August 15 to 17 if schools remain closed on Saturday, August 16. Additionally, if your school observes Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami holidays in succession, you could see shorter study weeks during mid to late August.While holidays are ideal for rest, many students also use this time to revise, complete pending assignments, or prepare for upcoming exams. If you’re in senior secondary classes, this could also be a good time to begin short-term courses, practice mock tests, or explore college options if you’re in Class 12.Younger students can use the break for hobby classes, reading, or short family trips, depending on how your school has scheduled internal assessments.Note: Check with your school’s official holiday calendar or circular, as some private and state board schools may differ in observance dates based on local declarations or weekend policies.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
