November 2026 brings several important festivals and cultural celebrations across India, including Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Students in different states may get school holidays during these occasions, depending on the state government's holiday calendar and individual school schedules.
The November 2026 school holiday list includes national observances, religious festivals and regional celebrations. These holidays provide students with opportunities to participate in cultural traditions and spend time with their families. Parents and students can check the important festival dates and state-wise holiday announcements to plan their academic schedules and festive breaks. School holiday schedules may differ across states depending on regional festivals and government announcements. Students in Maharashtra can refer to the Maharashtra school holiday calendar 2026 to check the holidays applicable to schools across the state.
Schools and educational institutions observe holidays based on gazetted dates and state-specific festival calendars. The table below outlines the primary festivals and occasions scheduled for November 2026.
| Festival / Occasion | Date |
|---|---|
| Kannada Rajyotsava | November 1, 2026 |
| Dhanteras | November 6, 2026 |
| Diwali | November 8, 2026 |
| Govardhan Puja | November 9, 2026 |
| Bhai Dooj | November 11, 2026 |
| Children's Day | November 14, 2026 |
| Chhath Puja | November 15, 2026 |
| Veerangana Uda Devi Martyrdom Day | November 16, 2026 |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | November 24, 2026 |
Note: School holidays may vary across states and regions depending on local practices and individual school policies.
Students in Assam can also check the Assam school holiday list 2026 to stay updated on state-specific festival holidays, regional observances and school closure dates.
Key cultural, national, and religious occasions observed during the month include:
Kannada Rajyotsava (November 1): Marks the formation of Karnataka state on November 1, 1956, celebrating the state’s culture, heritage, and language.
Dhanteras (November 6): Marks the commencement of Diwali celebrations and involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.
Diwali (November 8): Celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, marked by the lighting of diyas, prayers, and festivities.
Govardhan Puja (November 9): Also referred to as Annakut, this day commemorates Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to shield the people of Vrindavan from torrential rains.
Bhai Dooj (November 11): Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters; it is observed as Bhaiya Dooj in northern India and Bhau Beej in Maharashtra.
Children’s Day (November 14): Celebrated on the birth anniversary of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting child welfare and development.
Chhath Puja (November 15): Dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, observed with fasting and ritual offerings during sunset and sunrise.
Veerangana Uda Devi Martyrdom Day (November 16): Honors Uda Devi, a freedom fighter who fought against British rule during the Revolt of 1857.
Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 24): Also known as Gurpurab, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
