December 27 Holiday Alert: Schools and Offices Closed in These States This Saturday
As the final week of 2025 unfolds, several state governments have officially cleared the calendar for December 27 in honor of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. This day, marking the birth anniversary (Prakash Parv) of the tenth Sikh Guru, is more than just a religious milestone; it has triggered a wave of closures across schools, colleges, and government offices. With the date falling on a Saturday, the impact on public services is widespread, effectively creating a final long weekend for the year.
The move is particularly significant in Northern India, where the chill of late December usually coincides with the peak of festive observances. State administrations in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have issued specific directives to ensure that educational institutions remain shut, allowing families to participate in the massive commemorative events planned at Gurdwaras nationwide.
History and Why We Celebrate This Day
The occasion celebrates the life of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, born in Patna in 1666. He was a spiritual master, warrior, poet, and philosopher who fundamentally shaped the Sikh faith. His most defining legacy was the creation of the Khalsa in 1699, a community of initiated Sikhs committed to the highest ideals of courage and selflessness. He is also the Guru who declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs.
History remembers him for his fierce resistance against the tyranny of the Mughal Empire and his fight for social justice. This Jayanti is a time to reflect on his teachings of equality and bravery. In popular terms, the day is often referred to as the Prakash Utsav or Prakash Parv, signifying the “Festival of Light” or “Enlightenment” brought by his birth.
How the Occasion is Celebrated
The celebrations are vibrant and deeply communal. Large processions known as Nagar Kirtans are organized through the streets, led by the Panj Pyaras (five beloved ones) and the Guru Granth Sahib. Devotees sing hymns (Gurbani) and display martial arts skills like Gatka.
Gurdwaras are illuminated with lights, and special Langar (community kitchens) are organized where food is served to everyone regardless of their background. In many cities, the morning begins with Prabhat Pheris, early morning processions that set a meditative tone for the day.
Holiday Status: Banks, Schools, and Institutions
The holiday landscape for December 27, 2025, is quite definitive due to a calendar overlap. Here is the breakdown of what to expect:
- Schools and Colleges: Educational institutions in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi will remain closed. While many schools are already in their winter break, this official holiday ensures that even those without scheduled vacations will grant a day off.
- Banks: All banks in India will be closed. This is because December 27 is the fourth Saturday of the month—a standard bank holiday—compounded by the religious observance.
- Government Offices: State government offices in Punjab and UP will observe a full holiday. Central government offices, which mostly follow a five-day week, will remain closed as well.
- Private Sector: While not mandatory for all private firms, many corporate offices in North India align with the state holiday list, particularly in the Delhi-NCR and Punjab regions.
The Local Impact in Major Cities
In Bihar, the city of Patna expects a massive influx of devotees at the Takhat Sri Patna Sahib. Local authorities have planned specialized traffic diversions and temporary school closures in the vicinity to manage the crowds. Similarly, in Amritsar, the Golden Temple will see thousands of visitors, with the local administration stepping up security and public service arrangements for the day.
For parents and students, this holiday marks a quiet moment before the New Year celebrations begin. It is a day characterized by spiritual reflection in the morning and community service in the afternoon, ensuring that the Guru’s message of “Recognize the whole human race as one” continues to resonate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti a national holiday?
While not a mandatory national holiday for all sectors, it is a gazetted holiday in many states including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It is also a bank holiday nationwide this year due to it being a fourth Saturday.
What are the popular terms associated with this day?
Commonly, it is called Prakash Parv or Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. You will also hear terms like ‘Langar’ (community kitchen) and ‘Nagar Kirtan’ (processional singing) frequently during this time.
Disclaimer: While the information is based on current state government notifications for 2025, local district magistrates may issue specific orders depending on regional conditions. Please check with your local institution for final confirmation.
