November School Holiday Alert: Saturday, November 1, 2025, will see widespread school closures across several Indian states, driven by a confluence of significant regional celebrations and the severe weather impact of Cyclone Montha. Parents, students, and educational staff are advised to stay vigilant, as the situation remains fluid, particularly in areas affected by the cyclone.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the closures, the reasons behind them, and essential advice for staying informed.
Section 1: Celebratory Closures – Honouring Statehood
Several states will observe their Formation Day with public holidays, leading to mandatory school closures.
- Chhattisgarh: All government, private, aided, and non-government schools will be closed to mark Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day. This is a declared public holiday, though banks and financial institutions will operate as usual.
- Karnataka: The state will celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava (Karnataka Formation Day). Schools and colleges will remain closed to allow participation in the day’s festivities, which include cultural programs, flag-hoisting ceremonies, and various community events.
November School Holiday Precautionary Closures – Responding to Cyclone Montha
The more pressing cause for concern is Cyclone Montha, which has prompted educational institutions in multiple states to shut down as a safety measure against heavy rainfall and strong winds.
- Odisha: The state has been severely impacted, with schools, colleges, and anganwadi centres in districts including Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada closed until at least October 30. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for these regions, indicating extreme weather conditions. An extension of the holiday is highly probable.
- Telangana: In the districts of Khammam, Bhadradri, and Kothagudem, schools and colleges were closed on October 31 and are likely to remain closed on November 1. The final decision rests with district authorities, who are continuously monitoring the weather.
- Tamil Nadu: An Orange Alert is in effect for districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet. As a precaution, Tiruvallur district has officially declared a holiday for all schools on November 1. Other districts are assessing the situation and may announce closures.
- Andhra Pradesh: Persistent heavy rainfall and cyclone warnings have led to extended school holidays in several districts. In Kakinada and surrounding areas, schools remain closed, with reopening decisions pending a review of the weather conditions.
At-a-Glance: Summary of School Holidays (November 1, 2025)
| State | Primary Reason for Holiday | Status & Date | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | State Foundation Day | Closed (Nov 1) | Public holiday; banks remain open. |
| Karnataka | Kannada Rajyotsava | Closed (Nov 1) | Celebrations with cultural events. |
| Odisha | Cyclone Montha (Heavy Rain) | Closed until Oct 30+ | IMD Red Alert; extension likely. |
| Telangana | Cyclone Montha Impact | Likely Closed (Nov 1) | Closures dependent on weather updates. |
| Tamil Nadu | Orange Alert (Cyclone) | Closed (Nov 1 in Tiruvallur) | Other districts under review. |
| Andhra Pradesh | Heavy Rain & Cyclone Warnings | Holidays Extended | Reopening pending weather review. |
Staying Informed: A Guide for Parents and Students
With the overlap of planned holidays and unpredictable weather, proactive communication is key to ensuring safety and minimizing academic disruption.
It is strongly recommended that parents and guardians:
- Monitor Official Channels: Regularly check announcements from your local District Administration and the state’s Education Department websites.
- Stay Connected with Schools: Keep a close watch on official school WhatsApp groups, email communications, and websites for real-time updates.
- Follow Weather Updates: Track the latest bulletins from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for accurate forecasts and alerts in your area.
- Prioritize Safety: During adverse weather, avoid unnecessary travel and follow all advisories issued by local authorities.
By staying informed through these verified channels, families can navigate this period of disruption effectively, ensuring the well-being of students while keeping up with their academic schedules.