November 5 School Holiday for Guru Nanak Jayanti?

November 5, 2025, marks a significant day in the Indian calendar as millions of students across the country will get a holiday to celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab or Prakash Utsav. This auspicious day commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and is observed with great fervor in North India and major urban centers.

Why November 5 is a Holiday

Guru Nanak Jayanti is a Gazetted Holiday, recognized by the Central Government, and is celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur across the country. The day is marked with kirtans, langars, and vibrant processions in gurudwaras, embodying the Sikh values of equality and service. In addition to Guru Nanak Jayanti, November 5 also coincides with Kartik Purnima, a significant Hindu festival, making it a day of dual celebrations.

State-wise School Closures

While schools in several states will remain closed on November 5, the holiday status may vary in other parts of the country. Here's a breakdown of the expected school closures:

• Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh: Schools are officially closed for the day, with Nagar Kirtans and other religious programs expected to be held in various districts.
• Delhi and NCR: All government, private, and aided schools are expected to remain closed, with possible traffic diversions due to Nagar Kirtans.
• Uttar Pradesh: Most schools will observe a holiday, with specific districts like Anupshahr (Bulandshahr) closed from November 3-6 due to the Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela.
• Maharashtra and Gujarat: Schools and financial institutions are expected to be closed, especially in major cities like Mumbai and Pune.
• Bihar: Schools in Patna and other districts with a large Sikh community will be closed.

West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha: Schools and banks are likely to observe the holiday.

As November 5 approaches, students across India can look forward to a day of celebration, reflection, and community service. Whether you're in a school or not, it's a great opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of India and the values that Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings embody.