As the new year begins, students across India look forward to a break starting with New Year’s Day on January 1st. This holiday provides an opportunity to relax and recharge after the festive December period. Many northern states, including Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, extend their winter vacations until mid-January, allowing students time off to enjoy regional festivals like Makar Sankranti and Pongal. The holidays offer a much-needed respite before schools reopen for the new academic term. Here is the list of January 2025 school holidays.
New Year’s Day (1st January)
Schools across India will begin the new year with a holiday for New Year’s Day on January 1st. This public holiday marks the start of the calendar year, and students get a break to celebrate with family and friends before returning to their academic routine.
Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday (6th January)
Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday, observed on January 6th, is a significant holiday, particularly for Sikhs. It celebrates the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru, and schools, especially in Punjab and other parts of northern India, will remain closed to honor this important occasion.
Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu, Pongal, and Hazrat Ali’s Birthday (14th January)
January 14th is marked by Makar Sankranti, Magha Bihu, and Pongal, celebrated in various parts of India. The day also commemorates Hazrat Ali’s Birthday in some regions. Students celebrate with cultural events such as kite flying, bonfires, and feasts.
Winter Vacation (1st January – 15th January)
The winter vacation for many students in northern states is scheduled from January 1 to 15. This mid-winter break allows students to relax and enjoy the cooler weather before schools resume in mid-January. However, in some southern and eastern regions, the winter break may begin earlier, in December.
Republic Day (26th January)
Another important holiday in January is Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th. Schools remain closed to mark the national event, which commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Republic Day is a day of national pride, with parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies taking place across the country.
