10-Day Durga Puja Holiday for Schools and Colleges in October 2026

Students across Odisha are set to get a long break in October as schools and colleges will remain closed for the Durga Puja festivities. With the festive season underway, students and families are looking forward to spending time together, visiting puja pandals and enjoying the celebrations.

The October holiday calendar has already begun with the Gandhi Jayanti holiday on October 2. The much-awaited Durga Puja vacation will follow, with educational institutions scheduled to remain closed from October 17 to October 26, 2026.

Schools and colleges are expected to reopen on October 27, 2026 (Tuesday) after the Puja vacation.

10-Day Durga Puja Holiday Schedule

• October 17 (Saturday): Maha Saptami and beginning of Puja vacation
• October 18 (Sunday): Maha Ashtami
• October 19 (Monday): Maha Navami
• October 20 (Tuesday): Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra
• October 21–26: Continued Puja vacation
• October 27 (Tuesday): Educational institutions reopen

The holiday comes at a time when Odisha is gearing up for one of its biggest festive seasons. Preparations for Durga Puja have already begun across the state, with artisans working on large idols, puja committees decorating pandals and elaborate gateways taking shape in both urban and rural areas.

From villages to cities, a festive atmosphere is gradually taking over Odisha. Durga Puja is not merely a religious celebration but also an important expression of Indian culture, tradition and community life. Different regions of the country observe the festival in their own distinctive ways, with unique rituals and customs adding to its cultural richness.

Cuttack’s Unique Durga Puja Traditions

Cuttack’s Durga Puja is particularly famous for its grand idols, elaborate tableaux and spectacular silver filigree decorations. However, the city’s celebrations are not limited to magnificent decorations. Several unique traditions and distinctive rituals associated with different puja committees have also become an integral part of Cuttack’s Durga Puja identity.

Every year, thousands of devotees and visitors throng the city to witness the elaborate decorations and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.

Bhubaneswar’s Pandal Decorations Draw Attention

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar is also emerging as a major attraction during the festive season. The capital city’s grand puja pandals and artistic gateways have been gaining popularity with each passing year.

With preparations gathering pace, residents and visitors are eagerly waiting for the festive days. The 10-day holiday is expected to give students ample opportunity to enjoy the celebrations, visit different puja pandals and spend quality time with family and friends.

As Durga Puja approaches, Odisha is all set to embrace the spirit of devotion, tradition and celebration, with Cuttack and Bhubaneswar gearing up for another vibrant festive season.