Buddha Purnima 2025 is being observed nationwide today, May 12, as a public holiday. The occasion, which marks the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Lord Buddha, will lead to the closure of several schools, colleges, and government institutions across India. However, certain institutions and services, including the Indian stock market, will remain operational.
School Holidays Across India
Buddha Purnima is a gazetted holiday, meaning that government offices, schools, post offices, and banks will remain closed in many parts of the country. The closure of schools will be observed not only in specific regions but across the nation, with several states following the official holiday schedule.
In Delhi, the Directorate of Education (DoE) confirmed that schools across the capital will remain closed. According to the academic calendar for the 2025–26 session, summer vacations for Delhi schools began on May 11 and will extend through June 30, with the exception of specific working days for teachers in late June. The University of Delhi has also marked Buddha Purnima as an official holiday.
Closure of Schools in Jammu & Kashmir and Other Regions
In Jammu and Kashmir, where tensions along the international borders remain high, many schools have already shifted to online classes as a precautionary measure. Since May 7, several schools in the region have opted for virtual learning to ensure safety amidst ongoing geopolitical concerns.
In the Rajasthan region, authorities announced the closure of schools across five districts, including Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Barmer, in response to heightened security measures. The District Collector of Jaisalmer confirmed that schools in this border area would remain closed indefinitely.
Similarly, in Punjab, the state government had previously declared the closure of all educational institutions from May 9 to May 11, with further updates pending regarding school closures.
West Bengal and Other States
Following an appeal from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, several private schools in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal have opted to preemptively begin their summer vacations. Schools such as Ballygunge Siksha Sadan, Delhi Public School Ruby Park, and St Xavier’s Institution in Panihati are among those that started their closures on May 9.
Authorities in Ladakh and Kashmir have also taken precautions, closing schools for several days due to the unstable security situation in the region.
Impact on Other Public Services
As Buddha Purnima is a gazetted holiday, government-run services including post offices and banks will remain closed in most parts of India. Notably, however, the Indian stock market will remain operational today, despite the religious observance.
In light of the ongoing security concerns, authorities in some regions, particularly in border states, have taken extra precautions to safeguard educational institutions and ensure that students are not inconvenienced.
Conclusion
As Buddha Purnima 2025 is celebrated across India, numerous schools and educational institutions remain closed today. The holiday provides an opportunity for reflection and observance of Lord Buddha’s teachings, but it also highlights the continued security challenges faced by certain states. As always, parents and students are advised to check with local authorities for specific updates on school schedules and safety measures in their regions.
