January 2026 School Holidays: Lohri, Pongal, Makar Sankranti State-Wise Holiday Guide

January ushers in a vibrant festive season across India, with several regions celebrating their traditional harvest festivals. Lohri, Pongal and Makar Sankranti mark the end of the winter solstice and express gratitude to the Sun God as he begins his northward journey, known as Uttarayana. Although each festival has its own regional customs and rituals, the spirit of thanksgiving and the joy of good harvest unite people across the country. These celebrations also bring much-needed holidays for school children and teachers to participate in festive activities.

Lohri 2026: When It Is Celebrated

Lohri will be observed on January 13, 2026, mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Jammu, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. Traditionally, Lohri signifies the movement of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign, symbolising the arrival of longer and warmer days. Families gather around bonfires, enjoy folk songs, and share winter treats made with jaggery and sesame seeds. Schools in many northern states club Lohri with winter vacations, offering students a short but enjoyable break.

How Schools Plan Holidays for Harvest Festivals

Every state schedules school holidays depending on its local festival calendar. While northern states combine Lohri with their winter break, southern states provide multi-day holidays for Pongal and Makar Sankranti. Parents should keep an eye on school notifications since holiday dates may slightly vary from one district to another.

School Holiday Updates Across Major Indian States

Delhi/NCR

Schools in Delhi and the National Capital Region usually extend the winter break to include the harvest festivals. In 2026, most schools are expected to remain closed from January 13 to January 15, covering Lohri and Makar Sankranti.

Punjab

Punjab treats Lohri and the following festival, Maghi, as full public holidays. Schools, colleges, and government offices will remain shut on January 13 and 14, 2026. Bonfires, folk dances, kite flying and festive meals mark the celebrations across the state.

Haryana

Haryana also observes a festive shutdown on January 13 and 14, 2026 for Lohri and Makar Sankranti. Schools and government institutions take part in the holiday, allowing families to celebrate traditional customs.

Pongal and Sankranti Holidays in Southern States

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal as a four-day festival, and schools usually grant a long break to mark the occasion. For 2026, holidays are expected from January 15 to January 17, covering Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day, and Uzhavar Thirunal.

Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, the Sankranti festivities begin with Bhogi on January 13. Schools are likely to close on January 13, 14, and 16, allowing families to celebrate Bhogi, Sankranti, and Kanuma.

Telangana

Similar to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana observes holidays on January 13 and 14, 2026, for Bhogi and Makar Sankranti. Some schools may also extend the break depending on district-level decisions.

Karnataka

Karnataka usually observes Makar Sankranti on January 14, and in many regions, January 15 is also a holiday. Schools often remain closed for one or two days based on local customs.

Other States and Their Festival Breaks

Gujarat
January 15 is celebrated as Uttarayan in Gujarat, famous for its colourful kite-flying traditions. Schools observe a holiday on this day as part of the state’s festive calendar.

Assam
Assam celebrates Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, on January 14 and 15. Schools remain closed during this period, as families prepare feasts and community celebrations.

Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, January 14 is marked as Makar Sankranti. It is usually considered a restricted or optional holiday, and school schedules may differ across districts.

Final Note for Parents

Festival holidays may slightly vary depending on school boards and regional regulations. Parents should check circulars issued by their children’s schools for the final holiday list. With vibrant celebrations happening across the country, Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti bring not only cultural joy but also a refreshing mid-January break for students.

Also read: Sankranti Holidays for Intermediate Colleges in Telangana: January 11 to 18 - TSBIE