Mahavir Jayanti, also called Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, is an important festival in Jainism and is celebrated with much pomp in India and Nepal. This day celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara.
Also known as Vardhamana, he taught peace, truth, non-violence and self-discipline, and laid down the fundamental principles of Jainism. To mark the occasion, the festival is celebrated with prayers, processions and charity.
It is a public holiday across many states in India, which means banks, government offices, public institutions, post offices, etc remain closed. However, there may be confusion about whether schools and colleges will remain closed on this day, as holiday decisions often vary by state, institution rules and local administrative guidelines.
ALSO READ | Mahavir Jayanti Stock Market Holiday: Are NSE, BSE Open Or Closed On March 31?
Is Mahavir Jayanti A Public Holiday For Schools?
Mahavir Jayanti is one of the gazetted holidays in India, meaning it is a mandatory public holiday declared by the government. In 2026, the Central government had listed 14 gazetted holidays for Central government employees. There are additional restricted and state-specific holidays as well. States usually publish a combined holiday list in advance, highlighting both gazetted and optional holidays.
Since Mahavir Jayanti is a gazetted holiday, most schools and colleges are also likely to remain closed in states where the festival is observed as a public holiday. These states include Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh.
The remaining states and union territories will not be observing this day as a public holiday. This means that schools and colleges as well as banks, post offices and other public institutions will operate as usual in those states.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to check with local authorities, school administrations, or refer to official government notifications to confirm if Mahavir Jayanti is a holiday in your area.
ALSO READ | Bank Holiday On March 31: Nearly A Dozen States To Observe Holiday For Mahavir Jayanti; Check List
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
