The Department of School Education announced on October 21 that primary and high schools (Classes 1 to 10) in Dakshina Kannada will observe an extra holiday on October 22, pushing the start of classes to October 23, 2026.
The decision followed numerous appeals from parents, local residents and elected officials who pointed out that the final day of the historic Dasara festival falls on October 21. Night‑time pujas and processions often continue late, making it difficult for many children and families to reach home before school resumes.
Travelers returning from distant villages also encounter logistical problems if schools reopen on the originally scheduled date. After consulting the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and district administration, the Deputy Director issued an official memorandum granting the one‑day extension.
Earlier, the Dasara break was set from October 3 to 21. With the added day, the holiday now lasts until October 22. To offset the additional leave without harming academic progress, schools have been instructed to adjust their timetables by using one of the four local holidays that headteachers may declare at their discretion.
Block Education Officers will circulate the order to every headteacher in their jurisdiction, ensuring uniform implementation of the revised schedule across the district.
Consequently, students will return to classrooms on October 23, 2026, after the extended celebration period, while teachers retain flexibility to recover the lost instructional time.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean News