Date: October 16, 2026
Place: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Education News: School Holidays, Public Holidays and Festival Updates
Students, parents and government employees in Uttar Pradesh and Kerala have received an additional public holiday announcement for Monday, October 19, 2026, ahead of major Navratri celebrations. Uttar Pradesh has declared a holiday for Mahanavami, while Kerala has announced a holiday for Durgashtami.
The announcements are particularly relevant to students and families planning school attendance, college schedules, travel and festive activities. However, holiday arrangements differ between states, and private institutions may follow their own applicable schedules.
Why Have Uttar Pradesh and Kerala Declared a Holiday on October 19?
The two states have announced the additional holiday to accommodate important religious observances during the Navratri festival period.
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a public holiday for Mahanavami on October 19. In Kerala, the state government declared the same date a public holiday for Durgashtami.
The announcements come alongside other festival holidays around October 20 and 21, creating an extended break for many people in both states.
Are Schools and Colleges Closed on October 19, 2026?
Uttar Pradesh: The announced holiday covers government educational institutions, including schools and colleges, along with government offices and state public establishments.
Kerala: The holiday applies to government and semi-government offices, public sector undertakings and educational institutions, including professional colleges. The order also covers establishments governed by the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Parents and students attending private schools, private colleges or institutions with separate calendars should confirm the closure directly with their institution.
October 18, 19 and 20: State-Wise Holiday Schedule
| Date | Uttar Pradesh | Kerala |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, Sunday | Weekly holiday for many institutions | Weekly holiday; festival preparations |
| October 19, Monday | Public holiday for Mahanavami | Public holiday for Durgashtami |
| October 20, Tuesday | Dussehra/Vijayadashami holiday arrangements; check the applicable calendar | Mahanavami and Ayudha Pooja observances |
| October 21, Wednesday | Check the applicable state or institutional calendar | Vijayadashami and related observances |
Holiday dates and coverage can vary by institution and category of establishment. People should check the relevant state order and their workplace or school calendar before making plans.
What Should Students and Parents Know?
The additional holiday may affect regular classes, examinations, college activities and administrative appointments. Students should take the following steps:
- Check school or college messages for confirmed closure details.
- Confirm whether examinations, practicals or admission-related appointments have been rescheduled.
- Check official institutional notices before travelling to campus.
- Ask the institution about online classes or other arrangements, if applicable.
The state-level announcements do not automatically establish the schedule for every private institution. A school or college’s own communication is the best way to confirm its arrangements.
What Will Remain Open or Closed?
Government offices and educational institutions covered by the respective state orders are expected to observe the declared holiday. However, not every service or business necessarily follows the same schedule.
| Institution or service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Government schools and colleges | Holiday according to the applicable state order |
| Covered government offices | Holiday on October 19 |
| Kerala professional colleges | Included in the announced holiday coverage |
| Private schools and colleges | Confirm directly with the institution |
| Banks | Check the state-specific banking holiday calendar |
| Hospitals and emergency services | Essential services may continue under separate arrangements |
| Private businesses | Operating hours may vary |
Residents should verify banking arrangements separately, as public holidays and bank holidays do not always have identical coverage.
