Tamil Nadu has announced an additional holiday on November 9, 2026, for schools, colleges and other educational institutions across the state, as Diwali, also known as Deepavali, falls on Sunday, November 8.
The state government announced the decision on October 28 following requests from students, parents, teachers and government employees seeking additional time to celebrate the festival with their families and travel to their hometowns.
The holiday will also apply to government offices and public sector undertakings covered by the government order. To compensate for the additional day off, Saturday, November 28, has been designated as a working day.
Why Has Tamil Nadu Declared an Extra Holiday?
With Deepavali falling on a Sunday this year, the additional holiday on Monday, November 9, is intended to give families more time to celebrate the festival and return from their hometowns.
The decision follows requests from various groups who sought an extra day to manage travel and family celebrations. The arrangement applies across Tamil Nadu to the institutions specified in the government's announcement.
Students, parents and teachers should account for the revised schedule when planning their Diwali holidays and travel.
November 28 to Be a Working Saturday
The government has designated November 28 as a working day to make up for the additional holiday. Schools, colleges, government offices and public sector undertakings covered by the order will need to follow the revised schedule.
The government has also clarified that November 9 will not be a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. District collectors have consequently been instructed to ensure that treasuries and sub-treasuries remain operational with essential staff to handle urgent official work.
What Students and Parents Should Know
Students and parents should note the following dates:
- November 8, 2026: Diwali (Deepavali), falling on Sunday.
- November 9, 2026: Additional holiday for specified institutions across Tamil Nadu.
- November 28, 2026: Working Saturday to compensate for the holiday.
The additional holiday offers families more flexibility during the festival period. Students and staff should check their institution's schedule for any specific arrangements under the government order.
For official updates, visit the Tamil Nadu Government website.
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