Schools and government offices in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi will observe a public holiday on October 7, 2025 , for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti . Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially announced the closure for the entire state. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed similar arrangements for all educational institutions and government bodies within the national capital. This directive impacts millions of students, educators, and public sector employees, ensuring widespread closures for the observance.
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti honors the revered sage Maharishi Valmiki. He is widely celebrated as the ‘adi kavi’ or first poet in Sanskrit literature. His magnum opus, the Ramayana, is an ancient Hindu epic fundamental to Indian culture and philosophy. The holiday acknowledges his profound literary and spiritual contributions. Observances typically involve cultural programs, spiritual discourses, and special pujas in temples and community centers across various regions.
Uttar Pradesh Declares Statewide Holiday and Long Weekend
In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s declaration makes October 7 a compulsory public holiday across the state. This means all state-run and private schools, colleges, and other academic institutions will remain closed. Government offices also fall under this directive. The announcement stemmed from persistent requests by various organizations within the Valmiki Community, advocating for the recognition of this significant cultural day.
For many educational institutions and offices in Uttar Pradesh, the holiday extends into a long weekend. District Magistrate Manish Bansal had previously declared a local holiday for October 6 in specific districts. This local closure was in observance of the Maa Shakambhari Devi Mela. Combined with the statewide Valmiki Jayanti holiday on October 7 , it creates a three-day break. Students and staff in these affected regions will experience an extended respite from regular academic and work schedules.
Delhi Government Confirms October 7 Closure
The Delhi government confirmed its decision for a public holiday on October 7, 2025 . Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s official statement ensures a full closure of schools, colleges, and all other educational institutions. Furthermore, all central and state government offices situated within the national capital will suspend operations for the day. This measure allows residents of Delhi to fully participate in or acknowledge the observances of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.
October 2025: A Calendar of Festivals and Closures
October 2025 is notably rich in festivals, leading to multiple holidays across India. Valmiki Jayanti represents one key date among several important observances this month. Students, parents, and employees are advised to review the full calendar of holidays. While this list provides a general overview, specific school and office closures depend on state and district education board calendars or individual organizational policies. Local holiday declarations can vary significantly by region.
| Date | Festival |
|---|---|
| October 1 | Durga Puja (Navami Puja) |
| October 2 | Gandhi Jayanti & Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) |
| October 7 | Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti |
| October 18 | Dhanteras |
| October 20 | Naraka Chaturdasi |
| October 21 | Diwali |
| October 22 | Govardhan Puja |
| October 23 | Bhai Dooj |
| October 27 | Hal Shashthi (Lalai Chhath) |
| October 28 | Chhath Puja |
This comprehensive list outlines major anticipated holidays. However, the direct applicability of each holiday to educational institutions and workplaces necessitates careful verification. Families should consult their local school district’s official calendar and employer announcements. This ensures accurate planning for academic, social, and professional schedules during this culturally significant month. Staying informed helps manage potential disruptions and make the most of public observances.