As India marks the harvest season with festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Lohri and Pongal, schools in several states will remain closed on January 14. While the date is traditionally linked with Makar Sankranti, most closures this year are due to extended winter breaks and cold wave alerts, particularly in North India, according to local media reports.
Makar Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition and is celebrated under different names across the country — Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab and parts of North India, Uttarayan in Gujarat and Magh Bihu in Assam. The festival coincides with the harvest season and is observed with regional rituals, traditional food and community celebrations.
In southern states, Pongal festivities align with existing school holidays, while in northern regions, Lohri falls close to the end of winter vacations, effectively extending the festive break for students.
Uttar Pradesh and Delhi: Winter holidays continue
In Uttar Pradesh, January 15 has been declared a holiday on account of Makar Sankranti, as per state government directives.
Schools in Delhi will also remain shut on January 14 as part of the winter vacation announced earlier by the Directorate of Education. The winter break in the national capital runs from January 1 to January 15, 2026. Makar Sankranti is not a gazetted school holiday in Delhi, and schools usually remain open during regular academic sessions unless a specific order is issued.
Punjab and Chandigarh: Cold wave leads to extensions
Punjab continues to battle severe cold wave conditions and dense fog, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert in districts such as Bathinda, Firozpur, Moga and Muktsar, and an orange alert in several other regions. The state government had extended winter holidays until January 13, with schools scheduled to reopen on January 14. However, parents and students have been urging authorities to consider a further extension due to safety concerns during early morning travel.
In neighbouring Chandigarh, the administration has already extended winter vacations till January 17, 2026, citing persistent cold and low visibility. Schools in the Union Territory will reopen on January 19, as January 18 falls on a Sunday. The IMD has issued weather warnings for the region through January 17.