Several states in northern India have declared a holiday for all schools and colleges on Monday, November 24, to mark the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, with the preceding  Sunday, November 23, being the regular weekly off. 

The reason for the break is the annual observance of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice in 1675, recognised for his role in defending religious freedom and rights beyond his own community. For students and staff in states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Uttarakhand this means enjoying a long weekend with two consecutive days off. 

Banks in many of these states will also remain closed on November 24, so any urgent cash deposits or cheque clearances need to be done by November 22. However, digital banking and ATM withdrawals will continue to operate. 

For students and families, this unscheduled extra day can be useful for rest, family time, or catching up on studies or pending work. Schools and colleges will resume normal operations from Tuesday, November 25. While holidays bring a welcome break, it also means those who planned extra-classes or school events might need to adjust. For staff in academic institutions and parents in affected states, it’s a good moment to note that Monday’s closure is official and not a surprise.

You may also like Schools Brace for CBSE Practical/Internal Assessment Roll-Out