When Rajasthan Government rolled out a surprise three‑day break for all state‑run schools, parents across the desert state breathed a sigh of relief. The pause runs from September 30 to October 2, 2025, dovetailing with Maha Navami and the joint observance of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami. It’s a move that touches roughly 48,000 schools and more than eight million students, according to the latest figures from the Department of School Education.
Why the Dussehra Break Matters
Rajasthan’s cultural calendar has always given Dussehra a front‑row seat, but this year the holiday lands in the middle of the second academic term – a rare breather before the hectic Diwali rush. Education analyst Dr. Priyanka Singh notes, “A mid‑term pause helps teachers recalibrate lesson plans and gives students a chance to recharge without sacrificing instructional time.” The timing also aligns with the national holiday calendar, ensuring no clash with examinations slated for November.
Details of the Holiday Schedule
The official Department of School Education, Government of Rajasthan released the dates via the Shala Darpan portal. Here’s the breakdown:
- Tuesday, 30 September 2025 – First day of the break.
- Wednesday, 1 October 2025 – Maha Navami (restricted holiday in some regions).
- Thursday, 2 October 2025 – Dual celebration of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami (gazetted holiday).
- Friday, 3 October 2025 – Schools resume regular classes.
All 50 districts – from Jaipur to Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota and Bikaner – are required to shut their doors. District Education Officers have been instructed to enforce strict compliance, with any deviation attracting administrative penalties.
Impact on Students and Teachers
For the estimated eight million pupils, the three‑day gap translates into a modest 0.6 % reduction in total instructional days for the year – a trade‑off many consider worthwhile. Teachers, meanwhile, get a chance to finalize grading for the first term and plan enrichment activities for the upcoming Diwali period. One senior lecturer at Shri Agrasen Public School in Jaipur, Mr. Arvind Mishra, shared, “We’ll use the extra time to conduct remedial workshops for students who need a little extra help before the exam season.”
Responses from Officials and Parents
The announcement was met with applause from parent‑teacher associations. A WhatsApp poll conducted by the Jaipur PTA showed 78 % of respondents favoured the early break. Conversely, a handful of private‑school administrators expressed concern that the state‑wide pause might affect competitive‑exam preparation cycles, but they acknowledged the cultural importance.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Alok Kumar, Director of the Department of School Education, said, “The Dussehra holiday is not just a day off; it’s an embodiment of our heritage. Aligning school calendars with these festivals nurtures a sense of belonging among students.”
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Holidays and Academic Calendar
Beyond the Dussehra break, the Rajasthan school year is peppered with several other pauses. The next major holiday is Diwali, slated for 20 October 2025, followed by Govardhan Puja on 22 October and Bhai Dooj on 23 October. Winter vacation runs from 25 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, as per the RBSE’s (Rajasthan Secondary Education Board) 2025‑26 academic calendar.
With the Dussehra holiday now locked in, district officials are busy updating the Shala Darpan portal and distributing printed calendars to schools. Parents are advised to double‑check the portal for any last‑minute revisions, especially in districts prone to weather‑related closures.
Key Facts
- Holiday dates: 30 Sept – 2 Oct 2025.
- Number of government schools affected: ~48,000.
- Total students impacted: >8 million.
- Key festivals covered: Maha Navami, Gandhi Jayanti, Vijayadashami.
- Next major holiday: Diwali on 20 Oct 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Dussehra break affect exam schedules?
The RBSE has factored the three‑day break into the 2025‑26 exam timetable, so no major shifts are expected. Schools will resume on 3 Oct, giving teachers a buffer to finalize internal assessments before the November board exams.
Are private schools required to follow the same holiday?
Private institutions are not legally bound by the state order, but many choose to align their calendars for consistency and to respect the cultural significance of Dussehra.
Where can parents verify the official holiday dates?
The most reliable source is the Shala Darpan portal (rajshaladarpan.rajasthan.gov.in), which hosts month‑wise calendars. Printed notices are also posted in each school’s notice board.
What is the cultural significance of celebrating both Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami on the same day?
Both dates fall on 2 October, marking the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the triumph of good over evil in Hindu tradition. Rajasthan traditionally observes both, underscoring the state’s blend of national pride and regional heritage.
Will the holiday affect the upcoming school transport schedule?
Yes. All state‑run school buses will be grounded for the three days. Parents are encouraged to arrange alternative transport or keep children at home, as per the notice issued by each district’s transport department.
