Holi School Holiday 2026 is creating buzz as families plan celebrations and schools adjust schedules. Here’s the confirmed date-wise update for Holi and school closures across India.
Holi 2026 Date: When Is the Festival Celebrated?
Holi in 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, across most parts of India. However, confusion arose because a total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, just a day before the main festival.
Meanwhile, Holika Dahan will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026. Traditionally, Holika Dahan is observed on the full moon night (Phalguna Purnima), followed by Rangwali Holi the next day. However, due to the lunar eclipse and the Sutak period on March 3, many states have shifted Holi celebrations to March 4.
Therefore, despite initial uncertainty, March 4 has been widely accepted as the official Holi celebration date in 2026.
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| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Holika Dahan | March 2, 2026 (Monday) |
| Total Lunar Eclipse | March 3, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Holi (Rangwali Holi) | March 4, 2026 (Wednesday) |
Holi School Holiday 2026 in Uttar Pradesh
The government of Uttar Pradesh has announced a three-day public holiday for Holi 2026. All government offices and educational institutions will remain closed from March 2 to March 4, 2026.
Additionally, authorities have directed that February salaries and pensions be disbursed before the festival to ensure smooth celebrations. Consequently, students in UP can expect an extended Holi break.
| State | Holiday Dates |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | March 2–4, 2026 |
Delhi School Closure on Holi 2026
In Delhi, most schools are conducting annual examinations during this period. However, no exams will be held on March 4, 2026, due to Holi.
Moreover, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has confirmed that no board exams will take place on Holi. Therefore, students appearing for board exams can plan accordingly without worrying about a test on the festival day.
| State | Holiday Date |
|---|---|
| Delhi | March 4, 2026 |
Bihar School Holiday Update for Holi 2026
According to the official academic calendar of the Bihar Education Department, schools in Bihar will remain closed on March 3 and March 4, 2026.
Interestingly, Holi traditions vary across regions of Bihar. While some communities observe celebrations earlier, others celebrate on the main day. Consequently, the state has declared a two-day holiday to accommodate both traditions.
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However, students and parents should still confirm final dates with their respective schools to avoid confusion.
| State | Holiday Dates |
|---|---|
| Bihar | March 3–4, 2026 |
States Where Schools May Remain Closed on March 3, 2026
Due to the lunar eclipse and regional traditions, schools may remain closed on March 3, 2026, in the following states:
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Goa, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
However, holiday declarations can vary district-wise. Therefore, it is advisable to check official state notifications or school circulars for confirmation.
States Celebrating Holi on March 4, 2026
Holi will primarily be celebrated on March 4, 2026, in the following regions:
Gujarat, Mizoram, Odisha, Chandigarh, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, and Himachal Pradesh.
Meanwhile, most schools and government institutions in these states are expected to remain closed on March 4. Additionally, private schools typically align their holidays with state government notifications.
Why Was There Confusion About Holi 2026 Dates?
The confusion surrounding Holi 2026 mainly stems from the total lunar eclipse on March 3. According to traditional beliefs, auspicious activities are avoided during the Sutak period associated with eclipses.
As a result, many religious authorities and state administrations decided that Holi celebrations should not take place on the eclipse day. Therefore, the main festival of colors has been shifted to March 4 in most parts of the country.
To sum up, Holika Dahan will be observed on March 2, the lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, and Holi will be celebrated nationwide on March 4, 2026. However, since school holiday notifications may differ slightly by state or district, families should verify details through official announcements.
