The month of October in West Bengal is associated with joy, color, and a spell of school holidays. This year is considered even more special as the Durga Puja vacation started earlier than planned. The Education Department opted to begin the Puja holidays for students from September 24th, two days ahead of the original schedule, on the advice of state leadership because of continuous heavy rainfall. The early closure would apply to government-run, aided schools, colleges, and higher education institutions.
List of school holidays
The school holiday list this October starts with Durga Puja. Institutions will remain closed from 26th September to 7th October.
The list of holidays in October includes Gandhi Jayanti, which will be observed as a holiday on 2nd October, and Kali Puja, which will be observed as a holiday on 20th October.
The holiday for Bhatridwitia will be observed on 23rd October, and the holiday for Chhat Puja will be observed on 27th October.
These festivals include a variety of rituals, food delights, and cultural programs.
Importance of Durga Puja holidays
Durga Puja is officially recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Durga Puja is more than just a religious occasion in Bengal. The preparation starts several months before, with artisans crafting idols, communities planning and designing creative themed pandals, and the region changing itself into a gallery of living tradition. Cultural music, dance, and theater capture public spaces, while food stalls help the people enjoy the beloved Bengali specialties and sweets. The emotional ending on Dashami, which is marked by Sindoor Khela and idol immersion, brings together localities and families for heartfelt goodbyes.
This year’s extended festive school break will ensure children can enjoy not just Puja but also Diwali and other festive occasions without worries of studies. The holiday season promises unity, strengthens bonds, and helps with the needed break for both celebration and reflection.
