On August 27, 2025, schools and colleges in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana will remain closed to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant festival honoring the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity widely revered in Hinduism. This holiday allows students, teachers, and families to participate in prayers, colorful processions, and community gatherings that mark this joyous occasion. In Kerala, school closures may also occur due to the Onam festival, which coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi from August 26 to 28, creating an extended break in the region. Other major festivals in August 2025, such as Independence Day (August 15), Raksha Bandhan (August 9), and Janmashtami (August 16), have already been celebrated, adding to the festive spirit of the month. Students and parents are advised to stay updated with school announcements to confirm holiday schedules and any plans for makeup classes to cover missed academic time.
Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi
Image: An artist in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, carefully crafts a Lord Ganesha idol, adding final touches in preparation for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s most beloved festivals, is celebrated with enthusiasm across several states. On August 27, 2025, schools in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana will be closed to honor this special day. The festival involves setting up beautifully decorated Ganesha idols at homes and in public spaces, performing prayers (pujas), singing devotional songs, and joining lively processions. These activities bring communities together, and school closures ensure that students and their families can fully engage in the festivities. The holiday provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate cultural traditions, share sweets like modaks (a favorite offering to Ganesha), and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi begin weeks in advance. Artisans create intricate clay idols of Lord Ganesha, ranging from small figures for home worship to large statues for community pandals (temporary stages). Markets buzz with activity as people buy decorations, flowers, and offerings. Schools often organize cultural programs before the holiday, where students learn about the festival’s significance and participate in art or music activities related to Ganesha. These preparations add to the excitement, making the festival a highlight of the year for many.
In Other Parts of India
While Ganesh Chaturthi is a major event in states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana, it is not widely celebrated in some other parts of India, such as northern or eastern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or West Bengal. In these regions, schools are likely to remain open on August 27, 2025, unless local authorities or individual school boards decide otherwise. The decision to declare a holiday depends on state government policies or the discretion of school administrations. For example, some schools may opt for early dismissals or special activities to acknowledge the festival without closing entirely. Students in these areas should check with their schools to confirm schedules and avoid confusion.
In states where Ganesh Chaturthi is not a public holiday, regular academic routines continue. However, schools may still incorporate the festival into their activities by organizing events or discussions about its cultural importance. This helps students appreciate India’s diverse traditions even if they don’t get a day off.
What Students Should Do
Students in states where Ganesh Chaturthi is not an official holiday should reach out to their schools to learn about any special arrangements, such as adjusted timetables or early dismissals. Even in states observing the festival, some schools may plan makeup classes or assignments to ensure the academic calendar stays on track. Staying informed is key, so students and parents should regularly check school websites, notice boards, or official communication channels like emails or WhatsApp groups for updates.
To prepare for the holiday, students can also use this time to learn more about Ganesh Chaturthi’s traditions, such as the story of Lord Ganesha, the significance of eco-friendly idols, or the importance of community celebrations. Engaging in these activities can make the holiday more meaningful, whether or not schools are closed.
August Festivities
August 2025 is a busy month filled with celebrations across India, blending national pride and regional traditions. Independence Day on August 15 was a nationwide holiday, with schools hosting flag-hoisting ceremonies and patriotic events. Raksha Bandhan on August 9 celebrated the bond between siblings, with regional school closures in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Janmashtami on August 16, marking Lord Krishna’s birth, led to holidays in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where the festival is widely observed.
These holidays create a festive atmosphere throughout the month, giving students opportunities to balance academics with cultural participation. Schools often encourage students to take part in related activities, such as drawing competitions, skits, or dance performances, which enrich their understanding of India’s heritage.
Kerala’s Onam Celebrations
In Kerala, the Onam festival, celebrated from August 26 to 28, 2025, overlaps with Ganesh Chaturthi, leading to additional school closures. Onam is Kerala’s harvest festival, marked by floral decorations (pookalam), traditional dances like Thiruvathira, and feasts featuring dishes like sadya. The extended holiday period allows students and families to immerse themselves in these vibrant traditions. Schools in Kerala may remain closed for multiple days, depending on local announcements, giving students a chance to enjoy both Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
FAQs
Which states have school holidays on August 27, 2025, for Ganesh Chaturthi?
Schools in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana will be closed for Ganesh Chaturthi. Kerala may also have closures due to the Onam festival happening at the same time.
Why do schools close for Ganesh Chaturthi?
Schools close to allow students, teachers, and families to participate in prayers, processions, and community events celebrating Lord Ganesha’s birth, a significant Hindu festival.
Will schools be closed in states where Ganesh Chaturthi is not a major festival?
In states where Ganesh Chaturthi is not widely celebrated, like Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal, schools are likely to stay open. However, some schools may have special arrangements, so check with your school.
How can students and parents stay updated about school closures?
Check school websites, notice boards, or official communication channels like emails, WhatsApp groups, or local government announcements for the latest holiday and schedule updates.
What other holidays in August 2025 affect school schedules?
August 2025 includes Independence Day (August 15), Raksha Bandhan (August 9), Janmashtami (August 16), and Onam (August 26–28 in Kerala), which may cause school closures depending on the region.
Will schools hold makeup classes for the Ganesh Chaturthi holiday?
Some schools in states observing Ganesh Chaturthi may schedule extra classes or assignments later to cover missed lessons. Contact your school for specific plans.
What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles. It involves prayers, offerings, and processions, fostering community spirit and devotion.
How does Onam affect school schedules in Kerala?
Onam, from August 26 to 28, 2025, leads to school closures in Kerala for cultural events like floral decorations and feasts, overlapping with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Conclusion
The school holidays for Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam in August 2025 offer students and families a chance to connect with their cultural and religious roots while taking a break from studies. In states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Telangana, the closure on August 27 allows participation in Ganesh Chaturthi’s joyful rituals. In Kerala, the overlap with Onam creates an extended festive period. For students in other states, school schedules may remain unchanged, but checking with local authorities or schools is essential to stay informed.
These holidays highlight India’s rich diversity, with each region celebrating its unique traditions. Whether it’s joining a Ganesha procession, creating a pookalam for Onam, or simply enjoying family time, these breaks provide a refreshing pause in the academic year. Families should stay updated with official announcements from schools or state governments to plan effectively and ensure they don’t miss important updates about closures or makeup classes. For the latest school holiday updates and schedules, platforms like School Dekho can be a helpful resource to keep families informed and prepared.
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