January is filled with colorful harvest celebrations in India and is marked by festivals like Lohri, Pongal and Makar Sankranti. Harvest festivals mark the end of winter solstice and also serve as an occasion to give gratitude to the Sun God, who marks his initial movement towards the north, also called Uttarayana. Even though each harvest festival is different in some manner, gratitude to God for a successful harvest brings this vast nation together. It is also an opportunity for schools to have holidays so that both teachers and children can celebrate.
When is Lohri 2026?
Lohri is celebrated essentially in North India-Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Jammu-on January 13, 2026, a day before Makar Sankranti. According to traditional belief, it ushers in the entry of the sun into the Makara (Capricorn) zodiac, which means the days will become longer and warmer. People sit around bonfires, sing folk songs and eat seasonal delicacies such as sesame seeds and jaggery.
School holidays for Lohri, Pongal & Makar Sankranti 2026
Schools in India adjust their calendars according to festivals. In North India, schools have holidays together for Lohri and winter holidays, while in South India, Pongal and Makar Sankranti holidays give school children multi-day holidays. Parents are advised to check school notices regarding holidays as some holidays may differ in certain districts and schools.
School Holiday in Delhi/NCR
The winter holidays in Delhi and the National Capital Region are generally extended to coincide with harvest festivals. The government and private schools are generally closed on January 13 to 15, 2026, to accommodate Lohri and Makar Sankranti.
School Holiday in Punjab
The Punjabi festivals of Lohri and Maghi are public holidays in Punjab. Schools, colleges and offices are closed on 13th and 14th January 2026 to allow for celebrations like Lighting up the bonfire, kite flying and boro tsunders eid food.
School Holiday in Haryana
Haryana observes January 13 and January 14, 2026, as major holidays related to the state festivals of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. Schools and government offices observe holidays to take part in various events and rituals related to the festivals.
School Closures for Pongal & Makar Sankranti in South India
The festival of Pongal is celebrated for four days in Tamil Nadu, with schools declaring holidays from January 15 to 17, 2026, embracing all three events: Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day and Uzhavar Thirunal. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Bhogi would fall on January 13 and Kanuma on January 16. In Karnataka and Gujarat, Makar Sankranti follows regional observances.
Check State-wise School Holiday
|
State/Region |
Festival Observed |
Date (January 2026) |
Holiday Status |
|
Punjab |
Lohri / Maghi |
13th & 14th |
Full Public Holiday |
|
Haryana |
Lohri / Makar Sankranti |
13th & 14th |
Major State Holiday |
|
Tamil Nadu |
Pongal / Thiruvalluvar Day |
15th–17th |
Cherished State Holiday |
|
Gujarat |
Uttarayan / Makar Sankranti |
15th |
Major Local Festival |
|
Andhra Pradesh |
Bhogi / Kanuma Panduga |
13th, 14th, 16th |
Fixed State Holiday |
|
Telangana |
Bhogi / Makar Sankranti |
13th & 14th |
Fixed State Holiday |
|
Assam |
Magh Bihu |
14th & 15th |
Fixed State Holiday |
|
Delhi & NCR |
Lohri / Makar Sankranti |
13th–15th |
Often Winter Break Included |
|
Maharashtra |
Makar Sankranti |
14th |
Restricted/Optional Holiday |
|
Karnataka |
Makar Sankranti / Bhogi |
14th & 15th |
Regional / Bank Holiday |
