The bihar school examination board has reduced the number of school holidays from 23 to 11 in order to meet the required minimum working days. Durga puja holidays holidays have been reduced to three days, and there are one-day holiday for diwali and chitragupta puja, and two days for chhath puja
Reducing Durga Puja Holidays
One of the most notable changes in the Bihar School Examination Board’s calendar is the reduction of Durga Puja holidays from an extended break to just three days. This move has been met with mixed reactions, with some appreciating the board’s commitment to academic rigor and others expressing concerns about the cultural significance of this festival.
This decision was primarily driven by the need to maximize instructional days. The Bihar School Examination Board recognizes the importance of cultural festivals but is equally dedicated to academic excellence.
One-Day Holidays for Diwali and Chitragupta Puja
Diwali and Chitragupta Puja, which used to be extended holidays, have now been reduced to one-day breaks. While this might disappoint students who looked forward to the extended vacations, it aligns with the board’s objective of ensuring students receive the required amount of instruction.
The Bihar School Examination Board believes that shorter breaks during festivals will not only maintain the academic momentum but also prepare students for real-life scenarios where long vacations are rare.
Two Days for Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, a significant festival in Bihar, still retains a two-day holiday status. This decision is in recognition of the cultural and religious importance of the festival. The board acknowledges that certain festivals are deeply ingrained in the state’s culture and cannot be curtailed to a single day without disrespecting their significance.
Bihar Education Department reduces the number of festive holidays in government schools from 23 to 11 between September to December. pic.twitter.com/Qe6BlAXqh8
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2023
New Updated Holiday list- 2023
| Date | Festival Name | Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 14 | Makar Sankranti | Saturday |
| February 18 | Maha Shivaratri | Saturday |
| March 7-10 | Holi and Sab-e-Barat | Tuesday to Friday |
| March 24 | Sarhul | Friday |
| March 30 | Ram Navami | Thursday |
| April 7 | Good Friday | Friday |
| April 21-22 | Alvida Juma (Last Friday of Ramadan) and Eid | Friday to Saturday |
| May 1 | May Day | Monday |
| May 19 | Vat Savitri | Friday |
| June 1-16 | Summer Vacation | Thursday to Friday |
| June 29-July 1 | Eid ul-Adha (Bakrid) | Thursday to Saturday |
| July 29-31 | Muharram | Saturday to Monday |
| August 30 | Raksha Bandhan | Wednesday |
| September 6 | Janmashtami | Wednesday |
| September 7 | Chehallum | Thursday |
| September 18 | Hartalika (Teej Vrat) | Monday |
| September 28 | Anant Chaturdashi/Eid Milad-un-Nabi | Thursday |
| October 6-7 | Jivit Putrika Vrat | Friday to Saturday |
| October 14-24 | Durga Puja/Chitragupta Puja/Bhaiya Dooj | Saturday to Wednesday |
| November 11-22 | Diwali/Chhath Puja/Bhai Dooj | Saturday to Wednesday |
| November 27 | Kartik Purnima (Guru Nanak Jayanti) | Monday |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Monday |
Understanding the Changes
The New Bihar School Calendar
The Bihar School Calendar has undergone a significant overhaul. The number of holidays, once standing at 23, has been pruned down to a mere 11. This dramatic reduction has left many wondering about the motivations behind such a change.
The Need for a Balanced Academic Year
One of the primary reasons behind this transformation is the desire to establish a more balanced academic year. The previous holiday structure was criticized for being too lengthy, potentially disrupting the flow of learning. By reducing the holidays, the education system aims to create a more consistent and focused learning environment.
Aligning with National Standards
Bihar is aligning its school calendar more closely with national standards. The reduction in holidays brings it in line with the holiday schedules of other states. This synchronicity can facilitate easier coordination for competitive exams and national-level educational programs.
Boosting Student Performance
Educational authorities in Bihar believe that this change will enhance student performance. With fewer disruptions in the academic calendar, students can maintain their focus on their studies. This, in turn, could lead to improved results in examinations.
NOTICE :-
I’m Shweta Bharti, and I’m not just a blogger; I’m a storyteller with an unending love for Bihar. Bihar is not just my home; it’s my muse. I was born and raised in the heart of this culturally rich state, and that’s where my journey as a writer began.My passion is to share the beauty and depth of Bihar through my words. Bihar isn’t just a place; it’s a treasure trove of history, traditions, and untapped potential. Through my blog, BiharLinks.com, I aim to change perceptions and uncover the hidden gems of Bihar.