# Mahavir Jayanti 2026: Are Schools Closed on March 31? State-Wise Holiday List Explained

URL: https://technosports.co.in/mahavir-jayanti-2026-are-schools-closed/  
Published: 2026-03-30  
Updated: 2026-03-30  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

[Mahavir Jayanti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavir_Jayanti) — one of the most sacred festivals in Jainism — falls on **Tuesday, March 31, 2026**, marking the **2,624th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir**, the 24th Tirthankara. But the big question for students, parents, and teachers is: **will schools remain closed?**

Here’s everything you need to know, state by state.

## Why Is Mahavir Jayanti a Public Holiday?

Mahavir Jayanti commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, highlighting principles like non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), and compassion. [Sakshi Post](https://www.sakshipost.com/news/education/mahavir-jayanti-school-holiday-march-31-state-wise-school-closures-478340) It is a gazetted public holiday in India, with most schools, colleges, and government institutions observing the holiday. [India.com](https://www.india.com/news/india/mahavir-jayanti-2026-bank-holiday-march-31-rbi-schools-colleges-govt-offices-stock-market-nse-bse-shut-states-observing-holiday-axis-icici-idbi-sbi-hdfc-8361265/)

## State-Wise School Holiday Status — March 31, 2026

| State | Schools Closed? | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Delhi | ✅ Yes | Gazetted holiday |
| Uttar Pradesh | ✅ Yes | Listed in state holiday calendar |
| Maharashtra | ✅ Yes | Also a dry day |
| Gujarat | ✅ Yes | Widely observed |
| Rajasthan | ✅ Yes | Public holiday |
| Bihar | ✅ Yes | Gazetted holiday |
| West Bengal | ✅ Yes | Gazetted holiday |
| Jharkhand | ✅ Yes | Gazetted holiday |
| Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) | ⚠️ Shifted | Bhopal shifted the holiday to March 30 [Dainikjagranmpcg](https://english.dainikjagranmpcg.com/states/madhya-pradesh/bhopal-mahavir-jayanti-holiday-shifted-to-30-march/article-16204) |
| Karnataka | ⚠️ Check locally | Holiday date revised in some areas |
| Other States/UTs | ❌ May stay open | States not observing it as a public holiday will operate normally [Zee News](https://zeenews.india.com/culture/mahavir-jayanti-2026-public-holiday-are-government-offices-schools-banks-and-colleges-closed-on-march-31-3031968.html) |

## What About Banks, Offices & Stock Markets?

The Indian stock market will remain shut on Tuesday — trading on BSE and NSE will be suspended in all segments including equities, equity derivatives, and currency derivatives.

![Mahavir Jayanti](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/mahhhabg.avif)

However, RBI has made a major change this year, keeping banks open in several states due to financial year-end closing. [Obnews](https://www.obnews.co/Index/newsDetail/id/14451401.html?val=ce1fa8ec835772129c70c8cd1497dd65&test=1) So don’t assume your bank is shut — always confirm locally.

## Quick Tips for Students & Parents

- ✅ **Government school students** — you’re almost certainly getting the day off in the states listed above.
- ⚠️ **Private school students** — check with your school directly, especially if exams are scheduled.
- 🏦 **Bank users** — digital services remain available even where branches are closed.

> Also check: [India Holiday Calendar 2026 – Full List of Public Holidays](https://technosports.co.in/india-holiday-calendar-2026) and [Bank Holidays April 2026 – State-Wise Complete List](https://technosports.co.in/bank-holidays-april-2026)

## FAQs

### **Q: Is Mahavir Jayanti a gazetted holiday across all of India?**

 It is gazetted in many states like Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, and Bihar, but not universally — some states and UTs do not observe it officially.

### **Q: Will private schools also be closed on March 31?**

 Most private schools follow state holiday lists, but schools conducting exams may stay open — always verify with your institution directly.