School Holiday on 16 February 2026 (Monday): Schools Closed Tomorrow in THESE States, Check Details Here

School Holiday on 16 February 2026 (Monday) is a significant school holiday in many parts of India following Maha Shivaratri, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals honoring Lord Shiva. Several state governments have issued official holiday notifications for schools and educational institutions to allow students, teachers and families to observe the festival and participate in associated cultural and religious events. While some states have declared a full day holiday, others are offering optional or partial closures based on local traditions and administrative decisions. This article provides a comprehensive, state-wise update on school closures and holiday status on 16 February 2026, helping students and parents plan ahead.

Maha Shivaratri Holiday: Why 16 February 2026 Matters

Maha Shivaratri, which typically falls in late winter, is observed with great fervor in many Indian states. It is common for state governments to include the festival in the annual school calendar as a public or optional holiday, especially when the festival day falls on a weekday. In 2026, the festival is being observed around 15–16 February, and several districts have officially declared 16 February 2026 a school holiday to accommodate celebrations and rituals.

Delhi–NCR: School Holiday Declared After Maha Shivaratri

In the National Capital Region (NCR) including Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram authorities have confirmed that schools will remain closed on 16 February 2026 in observance of Maha Shivaratri. While not all schools follow festival holidays, many government and private schools have aligned with the state holiday calendar to ensure students and staff can participate in cultural and religious activities.

Parents are advised to follow announcements from their child’s school for any additional instructions about online assignments or rescheduled classes.

Uttar Pradesh: Maha Shivaratri Holiday Across Districts

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a school holiday for 16 February 2026 in multiple districts in observance of Maha Shivaratri. The holiday applies to:

• Lucknow

• Varanasi

• Kanpur

• Prayagraj

• Agra

• Meerut

• Aligarh

• Ghaziabad

• Noida/Greater Noida

Schools in these regions will remain closed for all classes. Local education departments have also advised that school calendars take into account this festive break, with a possible makeup day to follow if necessary.

Maharashtra: Holiday for Maha Shivaratri in Several Regions

Several regions in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur, have announced holiday closures for schools on 16 February 2026 due to Maha Shivaratri. This applies to both government and private institutions, particularly in districts with large festival observances and temple congregations. Parents are advised to check local school notices as some institutions may schedule online assignments or staggered classes around the holiday.

Telangana & Andhra Pradesh: Maha Shivaratri School Holiday

In Telangana, the state government has declared 16 February 2026 a school holiday for Maha Shivaratri. Schools across districts including Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medak and Warangal will remain closed for the day. Educational authorities have encouraged students and families to use the holiday safely and participate in festival rituals.

Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, many districts are observing a school closure on 16 February 2026 to mark Maha Shivaratri. Parents should confirm with schools for any online or alternate academic activities scheduled around the festival.

Other States Observing Holiday

Karnataka & Kerala

Schools in some regions of Karnataka and Kerala are offering optional closures or holiday schedules on 16 February 2026 in line with religious observances and local community practices. These are often at the discretion of individual school authorities.

Assam, Bihar and Eastern States

In parts of Assam, Bihar and other eastern states, school operations on 16 February 2026 may vary by district. Some areas observe the festival with school closures, while others continue regular academic schedules, often offering students the choice to attend or take leave.

Southern States

In Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and South Indian regions, Maha Shivaratri is recognised culturally, and some schools may announce optional or restricted holidays on 16 February 2026. Decisions vary by school board and management.

States Where Schools Are Expected to Operate Normally

Schools in several central and north-eastern states are expected to follow regular class schedules on 16 February 2026, unless local authorities or individual schools announce specific closures:

• Rajasthan

• Haryana (unless optional holiday announced by school)

• Jharkhand

• Odisha

• Madhya Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

Parents should always check with school notifications for confirmation.

State-Wise School Holiday: 16 February 2026

16 February 2026 has emerged as an important school holiday in many Indian states following the celebration of Maha Shivaratri, especially in northern and southern regions where the festival holds significant cultural importance. While states like Delhi–NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have officially declared school closures, other states offer optional or localized holidays based on community traditions. Students and parents are encouraged to consult official school communications for confirmation of local holiday schedules, as some districts may issue additional notices or makeup class plans around this date.

Also Check: School Holidays in February 2026