Dasara Holidays Extended for Karnataka Schools
The Karnataka government has extended Dasara holidays for government and aided schools until October 18. The decision came to help teachers take part in a social and educational survey across the state.
Schools were earlier expected to reopen much earlier. Now, students will stay home a few more days.
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar speaks about the extension of holidays.
Reason Behind the Extension
The Education Department said teachers will be needed for survey work. This survey aims to collect details about students, school facilities, and local communities. It will cover social conditions and education needs in different districts.
Officials believe more accurate data will help them plan better programmes. Teachers will work with local officials during this time instead of regular classes.
What Is the Survey?
The social and educational survey is an official data‑collection effort. Teams will visit homes and communities to record information. They may check how many children are out of school, how many attend regularly, and what resources schools have.
This task normally needs staff from many departments. School teachers have been asked to join because they know students and local conditions well.
Impact on Students and Parents
With holidays extended, many families may change travel or festival plans. Some parents might welcome extra time with children during the festive season. Others worry a longer break could affect the syllabus schedule.
Officials say classes will be adjusted later to make up for lost days. Exams are expected to follow the revised timetable.
Dasara Holiday Tradition
Dasara is one of Karnataka’s biggest festivals. It is celebrated with cultural events, processions, and family gatherings. Schools usually get several days off so families can take part and travel.
In Mysuru, the celebration is famous for its grandeur. Tourists visit to see the decorated streets and the royal procession from the palace.
Teachers’ Role During Holidays
Even though schools are closed, teachers will be busy with survey work. They have been told to report to designated survey centres and field areas. This means the holiday is not a full break for teachers.
Some teachers say they understand the need for accurate data. They also point out that festive time with family will be shorter.
Government’s Plan
Education Department officials say the survey is part of a larger planning drive. Results will be used to improve policies and target resources to areas in need. Data from the survey will be compiled at district level, then moved to state records. More surveys may happen in future to track changes in schools and communities.
Public Response
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Parent groups in some districts support the move, saying teachers are the right people for survey tasks. Others feel it may disrupt learning schedules too much. On social media, many discuss the extension as both a festive boon and a syllabus concern.
Balancing Festivities and Official Work
The extended break shows how the state balances cultural traditions with administrative needs.
Dasara holidays hold deep social value. At the same time, gathering education and community data is seen as urgent.
Officials say both needs can exist together if schedules are adjusted well.
Next Steps
Schools will reopen on October 19 after the survey work ends. Teachers will return to classrooms and continue the syllabus. Students will be briefed about new exam dates once the revised academic calendar is ready. The state hopes the survey will give information that improves education for all children.
