August 2025 School Holidays: Full List of Festive Breaks, Long Weekends, and Regional Closures for Students

August offers a mix of national, regional, and religious holidays, giving students several opportunities to rest and recharge.

August 2025 is packed with significant dates that bring a much-needed pause to the academic hustle. With Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and Onam all falling this month, students across India can expect a series of school holidays, some spanning long weekends, depending on their location and school board policies.

Here’s a detailed look at the school holiday schedule in August 2025:

Raksha Bandhan – Saturday, August 9
Celebrated predominantly in northern and central India, Raksha Bandhan honours the bond between brothers and sisters. States like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana generally observe this day as a holiday. Although it falls on a Saturday this year, schools that usually hold weekend classes may remain closed.

Jhulan Purnima – August 13 to 17 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Observed mainly in West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of eastern India, this festival celebrates the divine swing of Radha and Krishna. Schools in these regions often declare mid-week closures, especially around the full moon.

Independence Day – Friday, August 15
A national holiday celebrated across India, Independence Day includes flag hoisting and cultural events in schools, typically followed by a day off. Since it falls on a Friday this year, it creates the possibility of a long weekend.

Janmashtami – Saturday, August 16
The birth of Lord Krishna is marked with prayers, devotional songs, and celebrations across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Many schools will observe this day as a holiday. In some regions, Janmashtami may be observed on the preceding or following day, depending on local customs.

Onam – August 26 to 28 (Tuesday to Thursday)
Kerala’s grandest harvest festival spans several days, with Thiruvonam being the main day. Schools across Kerala typically remain shut during this period, often from the beginning to the end of the week to accommodate celebrations.

Will There Be a Long Weekend?

Yes, students may enjoy an extended break from August 15 to 17, with Friday (Independence Day) followed by Janmashtami on Saturday and Sunday being a usual off. If Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami holidays align regionally, there may be multiple short school weeks throughout the month.

How Can Students Make the Most of These Breaks?

While holidays are perfect for rest, students—especially those in Classes 10 and 12—can also use this time to revise, finish projects, take mock tests, or begin college prep. Younger students might opt for hobby classes, reading, or family trips depending on their assessment schedules.

Note: School holiday dates may vary depending on the institution, board affiliation, or local government declarations. Always refer to your school’s official calendar or circular for final confirmation.

August may be busy academically, but its cultural and national holidays ensure students get some balance, allowing space for both celebration and study.