July 2026 School Holidays Announced for Rath Yatra and Guru Purnima
State education departments across India have released the list of school holidays for July 2026, including closures for the Rath Yatra festival and Guru Purnima. These holidays apply to government and government-aided schools in respective states.
Rath Yatra Holiday on July 12, 2026
Rath Yatra, the annual chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, will be celebrated on Sunday, July 12, 2026. However, schools in Odisha and other states where the festival is observed will declare a holiday on the following Monday, July 13, 2026, to allow for the celebrations. The holiday is primarily applicable in Odisha, but also in parts of West Bengal, Gujarat, and Jharkhand where the festival is widely observed.
Guru Purnima Holiday on July 29, 2026
Guru Purnima, a festival dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers, falls on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. This day is observed as a holiday in many states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and others. The holiday is declared for all schools under the respective state governments.
State-wise List of July 2026 School Holidays
According to the official notifications, the following states have declared holidays for Rath Yatra and Guru Purnima:
- Odisha: July 12 (Sunday) and July 13 (Monday) for Rath Yatra. July 29 for Guru Purnima.
- West Bengal: July 13 (Monday) for Rath Yatra (only in some districts). July 29 for Guru Purnima.
- Bihar: July 29 for Guru Purnima.
- Uttar Pradesh: July 29 for Guru Purnima.
- Madhya Pradesh: July 29 for Guru Purnima.
- Rajasthan: July 29 for Guru Purnima.
- Jharkhand: July 13 for Rath Yatra (in some areas) and July 29 for Guru Purnima.
- Gujarat: July 13 for Rath Yatra (in certain cities like Ahmedabad).
Other Holidays in July 2026
In addition to these, some states may have regional holidays for local festivals. For instance, July 17 is observed as Muharram in some states, though it is not a universal holiday. Parents and students are advised to check their respective school calendars for exact dates.
As per the education department guidelines, these holidays are mandatory for all government schools, while private schools may also choose to remain closed. The total number of holidays in July 2026 varies from 2 to 4 days depending on the state.
Impact on Academic Calendar
With these holidays, the academic schedule for July will see breaks that may affect the pace of syllabus completion. Teachers and students are encouraged to plan accordingly. The holidays also provide an opportunity for cultural participation in the festivals.
According to a spokesperson from the Odisha Education Department, "Rath Yatra is a major festival in our state, and the holiday ensures that students and teachers can participate in the celebrations without missing school." Similarly, a Bihar education official noted that "Guru Purnima is a day to honour teachers, and the holiday allows for special events in schools."
For the most up-to-date information, parents should refer to their state's education department website or the school's official communication.
