School Holiday : There is confusion among students and teachers in Uttar Pradesh regarding school holidays on the occasion of Holi 2026. Holidays have been declared on March 2 and March 4, but it is still unclear whether schools will remain open or closed on March 3. According to the board’s annual calendar, schools are scheduled to remain open on March 3, but questions are being raised about reopening schools for just one day between consecutive holidays.
In Uttar Pradesh, Sunday, March 1, will be a weekly holiday in primary and secondary schools. Monday, March 2, has been declared a holiday due to Holika Dahan. In addition, Wednesday, March 4, is a holiday for Holi. However, as per the education board’s annual calendar, schools will remain open on Tuesday, March 3. This particular day has become a point of confusion for everyone.
School Holiday : Expectation of Four Consecutive Holidays
If a holiday is also declared on March 3, students and teachers could get four consecutive holidays for Holi. With this expectation, teacher organizations are continuously demanding that schools remain closed on this day as well. They have expressed displeasure over the decision to reopen schools for just one day on March 3.
The Uttar Pradesh BTC Teacher Union has sent a letter to the Basic Education Department. The union says that studies are usually completed by the end of February, after which many teachers return to their home districts. Therefore, coming back for just one day is not practical. Moreover, Holi celebrations continue on March 3 in many districts, which may lead to low attendance in schools.
Confusion Regarding Holika Dahan Date
This year, there is also confusion among people regarding the date and auspicious timing of Holika Dahan. Due to a lunar eclipse and the Bhadra period, there are differing opinions about the correct timing. According to the Panchang, the positions of the full moon and Bhadra do not align neatly with the English calendar date, which has added to the confusion about holidays as well.
Declared Holidays for March 2026
- March 2 – Holika Dahan
- March 4 – Holi
- March 21 – Eid-ul-Fitr
- March 26 – Ram Navami
- March 31 – Mahavir Jayanti
At present, March 3 is not a holiday, but after the demands raised by teacher organizations, all eyes are on the department’s final decision.