Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas is an important day observed across the country, especially in states with a strong Sikh community. Every year, parents, students and teachers look for clear information on whether schools will remain closed. In 2025, the question has become more common as the dates fall close to a weekend, making many wonder if the holiday will be on 24th or 25th November.
I am writing about this topic because every year there is a lot of confusion regarding the school holiday for Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas. Sometimes the holiday falls on the exact date of the Gurpurab, and sometimes the state governments adjust it based on their own notifications. This often leaves parents searching multiple sources to confirm whether schools will be open or closed. Since the 2025 dates have already created discussions, it becomes important to offer a clear, fact-based explanation so that families can plan their schedules, schools can avoid last-minute confusion, and students know what to expect. This information is especially useful for those living in states where the holiday pattern changes from year to year.
About Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas
Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas marks the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru. He is remembered for his courage and sacrifice in defending the right to freedom of religion. The day carries deep historical and cultural importance, especially in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and other northern states.
Holiday Date in 2025
The official date for Guru Tegh Bahadur Shaheedi Diwas in 2025 is November 24.
However, school holidays may vary from state to state depending on the government holiday list.
Will Schools Be Closed on November 24 or 25?
As per early schedules followed by most educational boards and state calendars:
- Schools are expected to observe the holiday on November 24, 2025
- November 25 is not generally observed as a holiday for this occasion
- Some states may adjust the date based on local notifications, but the traditional observance remains on 24th November
State-Wise Expected Holiday Pattern
Here is a general overview based on past trends and official yearly calendars:
Likely Closed on 24 November
- Delhi
- Punjab
- Haryana
- Chandigarh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
These states traditionally mark the martyrdom day on the same date every year.
May Follow Local Notifications
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Uttarakhand
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
These states sometimes make last-minute updates in their academic calendars.
Usually No Holiday
- Southern states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
- Eastern states like West Bengal and Odisha
These regions do not follow a fixed holiday for this day unless schools declare a local notice.
How Schools Usually Announce This Holiday
Schools generally issue a notice a week or two before the date. Many institutions update their holiday list on:
- School websites
- Parent WhatsApp groups
- Circulars given to students
- School mobile apps
Parents should keep an eye on these updates around mid-November.
Why the Date Confusion Happens
The confusion mostly happens when:
- The date falls near a weekend
- Some states shift the holiday to avoid back-to-back closures
- Schools follow their own calendars separate from state government schedules
In 2025, since November 24 is a Monday, most states are expected to stick with the original date.
What Parents Should Do
While the expected holiday is on 24 November, parents should:
- Check school circulars at least one week before the date
- Confirm through the school app or notice board
- Look at the state government’s official holiday list for the academic year
This helps avoid last-minute inconvenience.
