Dasara Holidays Extended by One Day for Schools in Dakshina Kannada
Mangaluru: The Department of School Education has extended the Dasara holidays for all primary and high schools (Classes 1 to 10) in Dakshina Kannada district by one day, declaring October 22 a holiday. Schools will now reopen on October 23, 2026.
The order was issued through an official memorandum by the Deputy Director of the Department of School Education on October 21.
The extension follows requests from parents, members of the public and elected representatives, who pointed out that the final day of the historic Dasara festival falls on October 21. With pujas and processions continuing late into the night, many children and families participating in the celebrations could face difficulties returning home in time. Those travelling from distant places could also find it difficult to attend school if classes resumed on October 22 as originally scheduled.
After considering the requests and consulting the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and the district administration, the department approved the one-day extension.
The Dasara holidays, originally scheduled from October 3 to 21, will now continue until October 22.
To compensate for the additional holiday without affecting academic activities, schools have been instructed to adjust their schedules by utilising one of the four local holidays that headteachers are authorised to declare at their discretion.
Block Education Officers have been directed to communicate the order to all headteachers of schools under their respective jurisdictions to ensure the revised schedule is implemented.