School Holiday On Monday: Many states in India will celebrate Durga Puja and Maha Ashtami as part of the festive season and thus various schools are likely to shut down on Monday, October 19. The holiday schedule may differ from state to state, as some schools might close for an extended holiday and others may be functioning normally.
While West Bengal continues to celebrate its Durga Puja holidays, Kerala has announced that Monday, October 19 will be a public holiday due to the Durgashtami festival. States like Odisha, Jharkhand and Sikkim have celebrations of their own, and rain warnings have been issued.
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West Bengal and Kerala School Holiday on October 19
Students studying in the schools in the state of West Bengal have been informed of Maha Ashtami during the Durga Puja holidays. According to the state calendar, Maha Navami is scheduled for October 20 and Vijaya Dashami on October 21. As per the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, Puja holidays will extend from October 15 till October 26. However, students are advised to find out the exact date of reopening from their respective institutions.
A public holiday has been declared in the state of Kerala on the occasion of Durgashtami by the state government on Monday, October 19. This implies that all educational institutions, schools and colleges will remain shut on this day. Students are expected to be aware of changes in their examination schedule.
Odisha, Jharkhand and Sikkim: Will Schools Be Shut?
While Odisha celebrates Mahanavami at this time, Jharkhand celebrates Maha Ashtami, and Durga Puja is celebrated in Sikkim. The observance of these festivals may affect school holidays.
However, the occurrence of a festival does not imply that all schools will be shut. There might be different school calendars followed by government, aided and private schools.
Andhra Pradesh and Rain-Affected Areas: Will Schools Close?
The IMD’s October 18 warning lists heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema on October 19. Weather conditions could disrupt school operations in these locations.
An IMD warning alone does not confirm a holiday. Parents should wait for announcements from district collectors, education departments or school administrations, and avoid relying on unverified social media posts.
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School Holiday: State-Wise Updates for October 19
State | Holiday or Weather Update | What Students Should Know |
West Bengal | Durga Puja, Maha Ashtami | Schools covered by the scheduled Puja vacation are expected to remain closed. |
Kerala | Durgashtami | The state government has declared October 19 a public holiday for educational institutions. |
Odisha | Mahanavami observance | Schools may follow their festive holiday calendar; check the school notice. |
Jharkhand | Maha Ashtami | Holiday may apply according to the state calendar and institutional schedule. |
Sikkim | Durga Puja (Dasain) | Check the applicable state and school holiday calendar. |
Tamil Nadu | Ayudha Pooja | Schools may remain closed where the festival is in the holiday schedule. |
Andhra Pradesh | Heavy rain warning | Weather-related closures may be ordered in affected districts if authorities consider them necessary. |
Telangana | Dasara vacation | Schools covered by the scheduled Dasara break may remain closed. |