Schools in several parts of India are set to remain closed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, with Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi and Onam among the major festivals being observed on the day. However, school holiday schedules can vary depending on state government notifications, district-level orders and individual institutions' academic calendars.
Parents and students should therefore verify the holiday through their school's official circular, website or academic calendar before making plans.
Eid-e-Milad Holiday on August 26
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Milad-un-Nabi or Mawlid, falls on August 26 this year. The occasion commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and is observed in different parts of India.
Schools in several states are expected to remain closed on Wednesday on account of the festival. The exact status, however, can differ between states and educational boards based on local holiday notifications.
Students should also note that a public or gazetted holiday does not necessarily mean every private school will follow an identical schedule. Institutions may have their own academic calendars and holiday policies.
Onam School Holiday
Onam is another major festival being observed on August 26, particularly in Kerala. The festival is traditionally associated with the harvest season and the legend of King Mahabali.
Schools in Kerala are expected to observe holidays around the Onam period as part of the state's festive calendar. Some schools in other parts of the country may also grant an Onam holiday, particularly institutions that include the festival in their academic calendars.
The holiday pattern can therefore vary even within the same state, making it important for parents to check school-specific announcements.
Raksha Bandhan Holiday on August 28
The holiday calendar for the week also includes Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 28. Schools in several northern and central Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Gujarat, may remain closed for the festival, depending on the applicable state or institutional holiday calendar.
Raksha Bandhan is widely celebrated across northern India, while its observance and school holiday status may differ in southern and northeastern states.
State-Wise Holiday Schedule
There is no single nationwide school calendar that applies uniformly to every institution. Government schools generally follow state or district education department notifications, while private schools may follow their own annual calendars.
For August 26, parents in states where Eid-e-Milad is listed as a public holiday should check whether the notification specifically applies to educational institutions. In Kerala, the Onam holiday schedule will determine school closures.
Schools may also announce additional holidays or changes because of local conditions, examinations or administrative decisions.
Check School Circular Before Planning
Students and parents are advised not to rely solely on social media posts or generic holiday lists. The most reliable information will come from the concerned school's official circular, parent communication system or academic calendar.
The same festival can also have different holiday arrangements across states, districts and school boards. Therefore, checking the institution's latest communication is particularly important for students who have examinations, practical classes or other scheduled activities.
August 26 Holiday: Key Details
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Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
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Major festivals: Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi and Onam
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School closure: Expected in many locations, subject to local notifications
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Kerala: Onam-related holiday arrangements apply
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August 28: Raksha Bandhan may bring another school holiday in several northern states
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Important: School-specific calendars and government orders should be checked for confirmation
The August 26 holiday will therefore not necessarily follow one uniform pattern across India. While many students are likely to get a day off for Eid-e-Milad or Onam, parents should confirm the status with their respective schools before assuming that classes are cancelled.
