Schools, colleges and other educational institutions across several northern states are expected to remain closed early next week on account of Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day, also known as Shaheedi Diwas. The day is closely linked with Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti, which holds strong cultural and historical significance for the Sikh community.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Jayanti marks the birth of the ninth Sikh Guru and is also observed as Prakash Parv. The Guru is widely regarded as the saviour who stood against forced religious conversions during the Mughal period. His martyrdom in 1675 is commemorated across Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttarakhand through community gatherings and memorial events.
According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh government has revised its gazetted holiday list and shifted the Shaheedi Diwas holiday from November 24 to November 25, 2025. The General Administration Department has confirmed that the new date will apply to all state government offices and schools. Punjab and Haryana traditionally observe the holiday on November 24, but final notifications for 2025 are still awaited. In Delhi, schools usually follow the state’s gazetted holiday, though no official circular for 2025 has been issued yet.
Guru Tegh Bahadur opposed the forced conversions of non-Muslims under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. He was executed in Delhi in 1675 on Aurangzeb’s orders. Because of the day’s significance across North India, educational institutions usually remain closed. For 2025, parents and students are advised to monitor state announcements and school notices to confirm whether the holiday will fall on November 24 or November 25 in their region.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas School Holiday 2025: State-wise details
Holiday on November 25
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Uttar Pradesh
Holiday on November 24
Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttarakhand have listed holidays on November 24. Schools and colleges in these regions are expected to remain closed. Students should follow instructions issued by their institutions.
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Delhi
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Punjab
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Haryana
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Chandigarh
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Uttarakhand