School Holiday on Buddha Purnima 2025: Schools Will Be Closed in THESE States; Check Details Here

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti, is a significant religious festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvana), and death (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Gautama Buddha. In 2025, this sacred occasion will be observed on Monday, May 12, and is recognized as a Gazetted Holiday across India. The day holds deep spiritual importance for followers of Buddhism and is marked by prayers, meditation, and visits to monasteries and temples.

As the festival is a public holiday in many states, schools, banks, and government offices are expected to remain closed. This article offers a comprehensive state-wise guide on school closures for Buddha Purnima 2025, including details for major cities like Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, to help students, parents, and educators plan their schedules in advance. Stay informed about school holiday status and public observance across India.

State-Wise School Closure Updates

While Buddha Purnima is a Gazetted Holiday, school closures may vary by state. Below is a state-wise breakdown:

States Confirming School Closures on May 12, 2025

Delhi:

All schools in Delhi will remain closed on May 12, 2025, in observance of Buddha Purnima, as per the official holiday calendar released by the Directorate of Education. Students can enjoy a long weekend and take part in cultural and spiritual activities held across the capital.

Uttar Pradesh:

Schools in key cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Kanpur will observe a holiday on Buddha Purnima. The Uttar Pradesh government has notified closure for all educational institutions to mark this auspicious occasion.

Haryana:

All schools in Gurgaon, Faridabad, and other parts of Haryana will remain shut on May 12 for Buddha Purnima 2025. Both government and private institutions will remain closed, giving students a day off for observance and family time.

Karnataka:

In Karnataka, including metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, all government and private schools will remain closed on Monday, May 12, as the state observes Buddha Purnima. Educational institutions across districts have been instructed to follow the holiday schedule.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, which has a strong Buddhist cultural presence, will observe Buddha Purnima as a public holiday on May 12, 2025. All government and private schools across the state, particularly in districts like Tawang, West Kameng, and Upper Subansiri, are expected to remain closed.

Sikkim

In Sikkim, where Buddhism is one of the major religions, schools will remain closed on Buddha Purnima. The state observes this festival with traditional rituals, prayer ceremonies, and special events in monasteries such as Rumtek and Pemayangtse.

Ladakh

Ladakh, a Union Territory with a predominantly Buddhist population, will observe a public holiday on May 12. Schools in Leh, Kargil, and surrounding regions will be closed, and the occasion will be marked by monastic dances, prayers, and cultural programs.

Himachal Pradesh

In districts like Lahaul-Spiti and Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, where Tibetan Buddhist communities reside, schools will remain closed for Buddha Purnima. Monasteries in these regions hold public ceremonies and spiritual events to celebrate the day.

Mizoram and Tripura

These northeastern states, which host diverse tribal populations including Buddhist communities, will also observe school holidays on May 12, 2025. State governments have declared Buddha Purnima a public holiday in their official calendars.

Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh: 

Schools are expected to be closed in alignment with the Gazetted Holiday status.

States with Variable Observance

West Bengal: 

While Buddha Purnima is a significant occasion, school closures may depend on the discretion of local authorities, especially in areas with a large Buddhist population or cultural observances.

Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana: 

Schools in these southern states may remain open on Buddha Purnima (May 12, 2025), as the festival is not a declared public holiday in many parts of the region. However, schools located in areas with Buddhist communities may choose to close for the day. It is advisable for parents and students to confirm with their respective schools or local education authorities.

Central Government Offices and Bank Closures

Central government offices across the country will remain closed on Monday, May 12, 2025, as Buddha Purnima is a Gazetted Holiday. In addition to schools, most public and private sector banks, as well as government departments, will not operate in observance of this important day.

Buddha Purnima 2025 is a significant day observed across various states in India. While many schools will remain closed, it's essential to verify with local educational authorities for specific information. This day serves as a moment for reflection, learning, and community engagement.

Check: School Summer Vacation and Holidays in May 2025