As the month of January begins, several regions across the country are witnessing severe cold wave conditions. To protect children from harsh weather and health risks, many state governments have announced winter vacations and temporary school closures. Apart from weather-related holidays, schools will also remain closed on specific dates due to festivals, national events, and important commemorations. Parents and students are advised to stay updated with official notifications released by education departments and local authorities.
Below is a detailed overview of school holidays and winter vacations in January 2026, along with the reasons behind these closures.
In Delhi, all government and private schools will remain closed from January 1 to January 15, 2026, as part of the annual winter vacation due to extreme cold conditions.
In Punjab, winter holidays have been scheduled from December 22 to January 10, while Haryana schools will observe their winter break from January 1 to January 15.
In some regions, basic education schools, including primary and upper primary classes, have announced holidays till January 14, considering the impact of cold weather on younger children.
In Jammu and Kashmir, winter vacations are extended due to prolonged cold conditions. Schools for Classes 1 to 8 will remain closed from December 1 to February 28, while Classes 9 to 12 will observe holidays from December 11 to February 22.
Several important dates in January will be observed as school holidays across different parts of the country:
January 14 (Wednesday): Pongal and Makar Sankranti
January 23 (Friday): Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
January 26 (Monday): Republic Day (nationwide school holiday)
These holidays allow students to participate in cultural, historical, and national celebrations.
State governments announce winter vacations primarily to safeguard children’s health during extreme cold conditions. Low temperatures, fog, and related health concerns make it unsafe for students to commute daily. Additionally, planned holidays during festivals and national days help maintain a balanced academic calendar while promoting cultural awareness among students.
Parents should carefully check the official holiday circulars issued by schools and education departments. During the break, students can utilise the time for revision, skill development, reading, and extracurricular activities. Teachers and school administrations are advised to communicate holiday schedules clearly to avoid confusion.
