Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day Holiday: Will schools be closed on 25 November in Delhi, UP, Punjab & Haryana? Full list here
Many states announced the closure of schools, colleges, and government offices to honor his great sacrifice to protect religious freedom.
Read more: Guru Tegh Bahadur 350th Martyrdom Day; 9. Learn all about the Sikh Guru and his supreme sacrifice
Here’s a state-by-state list of holidays, what’s open, what’s closed, and how different states commemorate the day.
Is 25 November a holiday? Situation Statement by State
1. Delhi: Public Holiday for Schools and Government Offices
Delhi Government has officially declared November 25 as a public holiday.
What students and parents need to know:
- All public schools remain closed.
- Most private schools are also expected to remain closed (final decisions are up to individual schools).
- Metro trains, buses, cars, taxis and essential services will operate normally.
Major events in Delhi (23–25 November):
- Great Kirtan Darbars
- Light and sound shows
- Memorial ceremony at the Red Fort highlighting the life and values of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Students can use the break to attend these cultural and historical programs throughout the city.
2. Uttar Pradesh: Holiday Shifted to 25 November
In line with its 350th anniversary events, Uttar Pradesh has shifted the holiday from November 24 to November 25 this year.
Holiday status:
- All public schools will be closed.
- Government offices will remain closed.
- Cultural commemoration events will be held in the districts.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath encouraged citizens to reflect on Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message of courage, freedom and sacrifice.
3. Haryana: Limited Holidays, Schools Likely Closed
Haryana has declared a limited holiday, which means closures may vary from institution to institution.
Possible scenario:
- Many public schools may take a day off.
- Private schools may treat this as an optional holiday.
Haryana’s most important event is the state-level meeting in Kurukshetra in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s legacy, where thousands of people are expected to attend.
4. Punjab: Celebrations Begin, Holiday Notification Awaited
Large-scale commemorative events are observed in Punjab from 23 to 25 November but public holiday notification for schools and offices is still awaited.
What’s happening in Punjab:
- Nagar Kirtans, prayer meetings and heritage walks
- Light and sound shows in Patiala
- Three-day celebrations in Sri Anandpur Sahib and other areas
Students in Punjab may or may not get holidays depending on last minute announcements from the government.
Essential Services Open on November 25
Even if there are public holidays and limited holidays, many daily services will continue uninterrupted.
These will remain open:
- Hospitals and emergency services
- Pharmacies
- Delhi Metro, buses, autos and essential transport
- Markets, shopping malls and restaurants (depending on domestic policies)
- Private offices (varies by employer)
Banks:
Banking will depend on each state’s public holiday calendar; Some branches may remain open.
Why is the Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Important for Students?
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed in 1675 because he refused to renounce his principles and defended the right to religious freedom not only for Sikhs but for all communities. His martyrdom remains one of the strongest stands for human rights in history.
He is remembered as:
- Hind Di Chadar – Shield of India
- Defender of freedom of belief
- A spiritual guide who advocates peace, equality and justice
For students, this day is not just a holiday; It’s a chance to understand a moment that shaped India’s collective conscience.
Shaheedi Diwas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
While North India is celebrating Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Shaheedi Diwas on November 25, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have confirmed full holidays, Haryana has declared a limited holiday and Punjab is continuing its celebrations with notifications expected soon.
Students may enjoy a break from school, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary courage and universal values for which Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji lived and died.
Input from agencies
