Makar Sankranti School Holiday 2026: Makar Sankranti is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, marking the harvest season and the sun’s entry into the zodiac sign Capricorn. Every year, students and parents eagerly wait to know if schools will remain closed for this festival. In 2026, Makar Sankranti falls on January 14, and the school holiday situation varies from state to state.
Schools are closed because of public holidays, while in others, winter vacations coincide with the festival, giving students a break in some regions. Delhi-NCR students, for example, will experience closures due to winter breaks, whereas in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has declared a full Makar Sankranti public holiday. Understanding the Makar Sankranti School Holiday 2026 schedule can help parents plan celebrations, trips, and family activities. This article provides state-wise guide for school closures during the festival.
What is Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year on January 14 and is an important Hindu festival. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). The festival is linked to the harvest season and symbolizes new beginnings, happiness, and prosperity.
Different states in India celebrate it in unique ways: Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Magh Bihu in Assam. People prepare traditional foods, fly kites, and spend time with family. Although it is a festival celebrated nationwide, school holidays for Makar Sankranti depend on the local government or winter vacation schedules.
Makar Sankranti School Holiday 2026
The Makar Sankranti School Holiday 2026 differs across states. In some regions, schools close specifically for the festival, while in others, the holiday overlaps with winter breaks.
In Delhi, schools remain closed on January 14 as part of winter vacation, not a festival-specific holiday. In Uttar Pradesh, government schools in Noida and Ghaziabad will observe January 15 as a public holiday. In Haryana, including Gurgaon, schools are still on winter break during this period. Knowing the state-wise schedule ensures parents and students can plan festival celebrations without confusion.
State-Wise Makar Sankranti School Holiday 2026
Students or parents can check the state wise information about Makar Sankaranti 2026 School Holiday below:
Makar Sankranti School Holiday in Delhi
Schools in Delhi will be closed on January 14, 2026, due to winter vacation. The closure is part of the official academic calendar released by the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of Delhi. Makar Sankranti is not a gazetted holiday in Delhi, so under normal circumstances, schools remain open.
Winter vacation ends on January 15, 2026, and regular classes resume from January 16, 2026. Most private schools follow the DoE calendar, but parents are advised to check with their school for confirmation.
Makar Sankranti School Holiday in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, January 15, 2026, is a full public holiday for Makar Sankranti. All government schools, colleges, and state-run offices will remain closed. Private schools usually follow state-declared holidays, though management can adjust schedules.
This holiday allows students to enjoy traditional celebrations, family gatherings, and local festivities. Earlier, January 14 was listed as a restricted holiday, but the government upgraded it to a full closure. Parents can plan special activities or trips for children during this day.
Makar Sankranti School Holiday in Haryana
In Haryana, including Gurgaon, schools are not closed specifically for Makar Sankranti, but winter vacation overlaps with the festival. The Haryana Directorate of School Education has scheduled winter holidays from January 1 to January 15, 2026, for both government and private schools.
Students return to school on January 16, 2026. Families can celebrate Makar Sankranti at home, enjoy local traditions, and participate in community activities while students remain on break.
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Makar Sankranti School Holiday 2026 FAQs
Q.1. Are Delhi schools closed for Makar Sankranti in 2026?
Ans. Schools are closed due to winter vacation, not a festival-specific holiday.
Q.2. Which date is Makar Sankranti holiday for schools in Noida and Ghaziabad?
Ans. January 15, 2026, is a full public holiday in Uttar Pradesh.
Q.3. Do Gurgaon schools get a Makar Sankranti holiday?
Ans. Schools remain closed due to winter vacation, not the festival itself.
Q.4. Is Makar Sankranti a gazetted holiday in Delhi?
Ans. No, it is not listed as a gazetted school holiday.
Q.5. When will schools reopen after Makar Sankranti in Delhi-NCR?
Ans. Classes resume on January 16, 2026, after winter breaks end.
