Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami or Dasara, falls on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in many parts of India. That date does not mean every school will close only on October 20: several states schedule a longer autumn or Puja vacation, while individual schools may set different reopening dates. Use the dates below as a guide and confirm your child’s school calendar before planning travel or attendance.

Dussehra 2026: state-wise school holiday guide

State or region	Reported school break	What families should confirm
Andhra Pradesh	General schools: October 12–21; reopening is expected October 22. Some minority schools follow a shorter October 15–21 break.	Check whether your school follows the general or minority-institution calendar.
Telangana	October 10–22, with schools scheduled to reopen October 23.	Check for local or management-specific changes.
Karnataka	The state academic calendar reports Dasara vacation from October 3–21.	Confirm the reopening date with the school, especially if it follows a different board calendar.
West Bengal	Durga Puja vacation is listed across the middle and latter part of October; Dashami falls on October 21.	Check the school’s Puja vacation notice for the exact last holiday and reopening day.
Delhi and other states	October 20 is the main Dussehra/Vijayadashami date in many holiday calendars, but longer breaks are school-specific.	Review the school’s academic calendar or any district education notice.

Why school holiday dates differ

Government holiday lists identify public holidays, while school academic calendars can include additional vacation days. The length of the break may also depend on the state board, school management, local festival calendar and district-level orders. West Bengal’s Puja holiday period, for example, follows a different local schedule from states where Dussehra is observed on October 20.

These dates are not a nationwide closure order. Even within one city, government, aided and private schools may publish different reopening dates. A state holiday calendar can help with early planning, but the school’s own circular is the most useful confirmation for attendance, transport and assignments.

Key dates to keep in mind

• October 11–19, 2026: Sharad Navratri dates reported for this year.
• October 20, 2026: Vijayadashami or Dussehra in many parts of India.
• October 21, 2026: Dashami observances and the following day of Vijayadashami in some regional calendars.
• October 22–23, 2026: Scheduled school reopening dates reported for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana respectively; verify locally.

How to confirm whether your school is closed

1. Check the school’s official app, website, diary or parent communication group.
2. Look for both the first holiday and the stated reopening date.
3. Confirm whether the notice applies to your class, campus and board.
4. Check for a later district or school update before making travel arrangements.

If the school has not issued a clear notice, contact its office or class teacher. Do not assume that a nearby school’s schedule applies to your child’s school, or that the single festival date determines the full vacation. Checking the reopening date directly can help families avoid missed classes and last-minute changes.