Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 21: The School Education Department in Dakshina Kannada has extended the Dasara holidays by one day, until October 22, 2026, following requests from parents and public representatives concerned about students returning to school immediately after the festival celebrations.

In an official memorandum dated October 21, the deputy director of the School Education Department said the decision followed telephone calls and requests from parents, members of the public and public representatives seeking an extension.

According to the requests, October 21 marks the final day of the historic Dasara festival, with puja rituals and processions continuing late into the night. A large number of children and their parents participate in the celebrations.

Many families travelling from distant districts could face delays in returning home, making it difficult for children to attend school the following day, October 22, when classes were originally scheduled to resume.

Taking these concerns into consideration, the authorities examined the requests and held consultations with the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner and district administration before issuing the revised order.

The Dasara vacation, originally declared from October 3 to 21, will now continue until October 22, 2026. Schools are scheduled to reopen on October 23.

To ensure that the additional holiday does not affect academic activities, the department has directed schools to compensate for the lost working day by utilising one of the four local holidays that headmasters are authorised to grant at their discretion.

Block Education Officers have also been instructed to ensure that the order reaches all headmasters of schools under their respective jurisdictions.