Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year, and the month started on June 27, 2025. This month holds significant importance within the Hijri calendar (Islamic calendar) and is observed by the Islamic community worldwide.
Since Muharram is a gazetted holiday in India as per the government calendar, all government offices and schools are bound to observe mandatory holidays, i.e. most institutions are closed in observance of these significant dates.
While all government schools should remain closed, it is not yet clear if Muharram will be observed on July 6 or 7. The date of Muharram will be either July 6 or July 7, depending on the moon sighting, with July 6 currently marked as the official date. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, which changes the exact date of Muharram every year.
Once the date is decided and announced, schools across the country will also announce the date of schools being shut. Parents in states with large Muslim populations — such as Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and West Bengal — are expected to hear about the news before the rest of the country. If July 7 is announced as a holiday in schools, parents, teachers and students will be able to enjoy a long weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday).
Parents and students are advised to keep an eye on local school circulars and district announcements for confirmation. State Education Departments will soon release an official notification about the same.
Meanwhile, summer vacations in schools have ended across the country now, with Delhi school children returning to schools on July 1.