Bihar schools will see an 11-day festive break from November 7 through November 17, 2026, according to the state's 2026 school holiday calendar. The 11-day period for Diwali, Chitragupta Puja, Bhai Dooj and Chhath Puja will allow students and teachers to enjoy festivals with their families. The schedule is part of the holiday calendar issued by the Bihar Education Department for government and government-aided schools.
The extended school break will be welcome news for students and parents in Bihar, where Diwali and Chhath Puja are two of the most popular festivals. Family members often go to their hometowns, visit relatives and participate in religious and cultural festivals during this time period, and families are mostly going home.
With Sundays being on the calendar of the holiday, students will have a much longer break from regular classroom work. Bihar School Holiday Schedule for November 2026. The November break will be in place from 7 November to 17 November, according to the 2026 holiday calendar. The schedule divides some of the festival holidays into a longer period when Diwali, Chitragupta Puja, Bhai Dooj and Chhath Puja are all included. The calendar is applicable to government, government-aided, project and higher secondary schools (Sanskrit, Urdu and madrasa schools) and higher education institutions in Bihar.
Diwali (Festival of Lights) is celebrated with lamps, decorations, prayers and family celebrations. Chitragupta Puja and Bhai Dooj are also important occasions during the festive season. Chitragupta Puja is associated with the worship of Chitragupta, and Bhai Dooj with brothers and sisters. The combination of these festivals creates a longer holiday period in Bihar’s school calendar.
Chhath Puja is also a big reason for the break. The festival is especially important in Bihar and is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees fast and make traditional offerings and pray at rivers, ponds, and other water bodies. The evening and early morning offerings are also central to celebrations, with large numbers of devotees coming to the local water bodies.
Other Important Bihar School Holidays in November and December. The November holiday schedule also includes another important date after the extended festive break. On November 24, 2026, schools will be closed for Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima. These are also on the state’s holiday calendar.
Students and teachers can expect the winter vacation towards the end of the year. The winter break will be from December 25 to December 31, 2026. The calendar lists 75 holidays in total, including Sundays across the year.
Parents should be aware that the published calendar is the central reference for government schools covered by the Education Department notification. Private schools with different boards may have their own approved schedules, so families should confirm the dates with their respective institutions. Any subsequent official order or school-specific notice should also be checked before making travel plans.
Students can spend time with family and participate in festive celebrations in the extended November break time while teachers and parents can plan around the academic calendar. But students should check with their schools regarding homework, assignments, examinations or activities before and after the holidays.
With Diwali and Chhath Puja both celebrated on the same long holiday period, the November break is one of the main school vacation periods in Bihar's 2026 calendar. Students are asked to consult with their school administration and monitor any changes to the dates announced by the school.
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