The festival of Holi in 2026 has brought joy and considerable confusion regarding holidays. Students, parents, and school administrations are uncertain whether Holi holidays will be on March 3 or 4. Many
states are experiencing discrepancies between the official calendar and local beliefs, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Rajasthan reporting different holiday updates.
Holi is typically celebrated for one or two days, but in 2026, the coincidence of Sunday and the Holika Dahan date is creating a “long weekend” situation in many places. Whether schools will reopen on March 3rd in Delhi-NCR and some districts of Uttar Pradesh remains a topic of debate. Learn about the instructions issued by the education departments and governments of various states to plan your Holi holidays more easily.
Holi Holiday in 2026
According to the Hindu calendar, the dates of Holi this year are slightly altered due to the date of Phalguna Purnima and the effects of the lunar eclipse. According to most scholars and astrologers:
Holi Holiday in UP and Bihar
Uttar Pradesh: As per the UP government’s academic calendar, holidays are already set for March 1 (Sunday), March 2 (Monday – Holika Dahan), and March 4 (Wednesday – Holi). The question now is about March 3 (Tuesday). If the government declares March 3 as a holiday, students could get four consecutive days off.
Bihar: Bihar typically has a two-day holiday for Holi. Schools are likely to be closed on March 3 and 4. However, some schools may also offer a holiday on March 2.
Holi Holiday in Delhi NCR
Most private schools in Delhi-NCR have declared a major holiday on March 4th (Wednesday). However, many larger schools will also have a holiday on March 3rd. Some may also offer a half-day. Students must check for the notice from their respective schools for the final update on the Holi holiday.
School Closures in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab
Holi celebrations are grand in Rajasthan. While March 4th is officially a public holiday, local authorities may decide on a holiday based on activities as early as the evening of March 3rd. Haryana and Punjab have also declared March 4th a gazetted holiday.
