Holi 2026 Date: Is School Closed on March 3rd or 4th? Check State-wise Holiday Announcement
Holi 2026, the festival of colors, will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, with Holika Dahan on Tuesday, March 3. Most schools nationwide are expected to close on March 4. However, the holiday status for March 3 remains unclear in many regions, currently marked as a working day, though states like Uttar Pradesh have already declared it a holiday for Holika Dahan, creating confusion. Students and parents should confirm the final schedule with their specific school administrations, as state-wise holiday announcements, including potential 'long holidays,' may vary.
Key Points
- Holi will be celebrated on March 4, 2026, with Holika Dahan on March 3.
- Many schools will be closed on March 4; some states may have extended holidays.
- Confirm holiday schedules with schools, as durations vary by state.
The season of Holi has arrived, bringing with it the usual excitement and confusion regarding the exact dates for the festival and school closures. This year, the main celebration of Holi—the festival of colors—will be observed on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with Holika Dahan taking place on the preceding evening, Tuesday, March 3. Most schools across the country are expected to remain closed on March 4, though some states have already announced extended holidays to mark the occasion.
Holi is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates love, the arrival of spring, and the harvest season. It traditionally begins on the Purnima (full moon) of the Hindu month of Phalguna, usually falling in mid-March. Students and parents are advised to keep in touch with their respective school authorities to confirm local schedules, as holiday durations may vary between states.
Holi Holiday Calendar 2026: Holiday Calendar for March
As per the academic calendar, the holiday schedule for the beginning of March 2026 is as follows-
Date | Day | Event/Status |
|---|---|---|
| March 1, 2026 | Sunday | Weekly Holiday |
| March 2, 2026 | Monday | Holika Dahan |
| March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Working Day (Holiday Status Not Cleared) |
| March 4, 2026 | Wednesday | Holi |
UP School Holidays for Holi 2026
Uttar Pradesh had announced that students can enjoy school holidays in the first week of March, leading up to the Holi days. According to the annual academic calendar released by the State Education Department, March 1, 2026, falls on Sunday and is a regular weekly holiday. March 2 is declared a holiday due to Holika Dahan, while March 4 will be closed for Holi (the festival of colors). However, since Holika Dahan is expected to be on March 3, there is slight confusion if the UP government will keep schools closed on March 3 too.
Holi Date 2026: Expected Holiday Status State-wise
State/Region | Main Holiday Date | Holika Dahan Status (March 3) | Details |
| Delhi NCR | March 4 (Wed) | Working Day | Most schools and offices observe a restricted or public holiday on March 4. Private schools often give a "long weekend" or 2-day break. |
| Haryana | March 4 (Wed) | Working Day | The state government typically lists Holi (Dhulandi) as a public holiday. Schools are expected to be closed on Wednesday. |
| Punjab | March 4 (Wed) | Working Day | Holi is a gazetted holiday in Punjab. Schools will remain closed on March 4 for the festival of colors. |
| Rajasthan | March 4 (Wed) | Restricted/Working | Known for grand celebrations, Rajasthan usually observes a full public holiday on March 4. Some local schools may close on March 3 for community events. |
| Maharashtra | March 4 (Wed) | Working Day | The main celebration (Dhulivandan) is on March 4. Schools in Mumbai, Pune, and other cities are confirmed to be closed on this date. |
Public Holiday List in March 2026
Apart from the Holi festival and related holidays, March 2026 also features several other significant public and religious holidays across India. Students and working professionals can look forward to these additional days off. Students and parents should stay in contact with their school authorities to confirm the school holidays. The following table lists the major non-Holi public holidays observed during the month:
| Date | Day | Event/Festival |
|---|---|---|
| March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr |
| March 26, 2026 | Thursday | Ram Navami |
| March 31, 2026 | Tuesday | Mahavir Jayanti |
Important Notes for Parents & Students
-
Holika Dahan (March 3): Across these states, March 3 is currently considered a working day unless local authorities provide a specific update.
-
Long Holidays: Interestingly, some states have been known to announce "long holidays" for Holi, potentially bridging the gap between the weekend and the festival.
-
State Education Departments: Uttar Pradesh has already set a precedent by declaring March 2 a holiday for Holika Dahan, which may prompt neighboring regions like Delhi NCR and Haryana to review their calendars.
-
Verification: It is highly recommended to stay in contact with school authorities to confirm specific closure dates, especially regarding March 3.
Anisha Mishra is journalist with over 3 years of experience in covering the Indian education sector. She has worked extensively in the K12 domain, with focus on the state board as well as central board examinations, policy structure of seconday and higher secondary education as well as the entrance examinations like JEE, NEET, CLAT, etc. Her extensive experience in the domain has helped her provide students with concise accurate information in all aspectes of school life and education. Her key interest lies in decoding the changes in the curriculum, NEP implementation and changing education ecosystem in the country. Besides working, she enjoys traveling, exploring new places and cultures, and painting.
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