Imagine waking up to two realities on October 23, 2025. In South India, parents scramble as schools close due to dangerous floods. Meanwhile, North India fills with laughter as families celebrate Bhai Dooj. This Thursday brings chaos and joy in equal measure across India.
Southern States Battle Nature’s Fury
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has painted southern India red – literally. Heavy rain alerts have turned into real emergencies in three states:
Tamil Nadu Under Water
Chennai’s streets have become rivers. Schools and colleges stayed shut on Wednesday, October 22. The big question – will Thursday bring relief?
These districts face likely closures on October 23:
- Chennai
- Cuddalore
- Kanyakumari
- Tiruvarur
- Ramanathapuram
- 6 other flood-risk zones
Officials warn: “Safety first. We’ll announce by morning after checking rain levels.”
Andhra Pradesh’s Coastal Crisis
Nellore district saw scary floods on Wednesday. The rain hasn’t stopped overnight. These areas might stay closed Thursday:
- Nellore
- Prakasam
- Tirupati
- Kadapa
Local news reports say district collectors are monitoring the situation hour-by-hour.
Kerala’s Landslide Threat
Idukki district closed all schools Wednesday after IMD’s red alert. The fear? Landslides in hilly areas. While no statewide holiday exists yet, officials warn: “If rains continue, we’ll extend closures.”
Northern India Lights Up for Bhai Dooj
Meanwhile, North India celebrates the sweet end of Diwali festivities. Check these major closures:
Delhi-NCR Extended Break
Schools closed since October 19 won’t reopen until after Bhai Dooj. Some may stay shut till October 28 for Chhath Puja.
Uttar Pradesh’s 5-Day Festive Break
Students enjoy holidays from October 20-23. Combined with Sunday, that’s five days of family time.
Rajasthan’s Record Vacation
The state declared a 12-day Diwali break! Schools closed from October 13-24 – possibly the longest festive vacation in India.
Bank Holiday Double Whammy
October 23 isn’t just about schools. Banks face closures too:
| State | Holiday Reason | Bank Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Bhai Bij | Closed |
| Maharashtra | Laxmi Puja | Closed |
| UP & Bihar | Chitragupt Jayanti | Closed |
| Punjab | Bhai Duj | Closed |
Some states hit the holiday jackpot:
- Sikkim: 5-day bank holiday streak
- Chhattisgarh: 3 consecutive days off
- Maharashtra: October 21-22 closure
Will Your Child Stay Home Tomorrow?
Here’s the complete October 23 status:
| State | Schools | Banks | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Likely Closed | Open | Heavy Rains |
| Kerala (Idukki) | Likely Closed | Open | Landslide Risk |
| Delhi-NCR | Closed | Closed | Bhai Dooj |
| Rajasthan | Closed | Open | Diwali Vacation |
| Bihar | Closed | Closed | Chhath Puja Prep |
Parents, stay alert! Tamil Nadu, Andhra, and Kerala may announce last-minute changes. Bookmark the official school holiday
Transport Trouble & Government Gridlock
October 23’s disruptions go beyond classrooms and banks. Transportation systems are feeling the squeeze:
Chennai’s Commuter Nightmare
Waterlogged roads have turned Chennai’s traffic into parking lots. Key updates:
- Metro services running at 20-minute intervals
- Suburban trains delayed by up to 90 minutes
- 300+ buses diverted from flooded routes
The Southern Railway warns: “Expect major delays on all routes south of Vijayawada.”
Delhi’s Festival Traffic Formula
Expect major slowdowns around these areas:
- Chandni Chowk (peak congestion 3-7 PM)
- Connaught Place (45% slower than usual)
- All major markets near Laxmi Nagar
Traffic police advise: “Celebrate early – roads will jam by afternoon.”
Government Offices: Who’s Working?
The holiday pattern creates a bureaucratic patchwork:
| State | Govt Offices | Essential Services |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Closed | Operational |
| Maharashtra | Half-day | Full staff |
| Tamil Nadu | Open | Emergency only |
| Uttar Pradesh | Closed | 60% staff |
Mumbai’s Unique Situation
While banks are closed, government offices work till 1 PM due to Laxmi Pujan preparations. A Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official tells us: “We’re coordinating drainage cleaning crews ahead of possible weekend showers.”
Festival Meets Flood Relief Efforts
In affected southern districts, the contrast couldn’t be starker:
- Chennai: NDRF teams distribute food packets while families nearby prepare Bhai Dooj sweets
- Kerala: Rescue boats patrol Kochi waterways as temple bells ring for evening prayers
- Andhra: Fishermen help evacuate flooded homes before returning to Diwali celebrations
What’s Open Nationwide?
Amid the chaos, these services remain available everywhere:
- Hospitals & pharmacies (24/7 operations)
- Petrol pumps (normal working hours)
- E-commerce deliveries (Amazon/Flipkart operating)
- Movie theaters (special festival screenings)
Last-Minute Shopping Rush
Markets report unusual patterns:
- Chennai: 200% spike in online grocery orders
- Delhi: 70% of Bhai Dooj gifts bought after 8 PM Wednesday
- Mumbai: Florists selling out of marigold garlands by 10 AM
Weather Forecast: Hope Ahead?
The IMD’s latest update offers mixed news:
- Good: Tamil Nadu rains reducing to “orange alert” level
- Bad: Kerala’s landslide risk remains “red alert” till Friday
- Surprising: Unexpected drizzle predicted in Delhi during Bhai Dooj rituals
Stay Updated Minute-by-Minute
Bookmark these crucial resources:
- School status: Education Ministry Portal
- Flood updates: NDMA Live Dashboard
- Bank services: RBI Holiday List
As India lives through this split-screen Thursday – part waterlogged crisis, part glittering celebration – remember to check official sources before stepping out. Whether you’re tying a Bhai Dooj rakhi or bailing out floodwater, October 23, 2025 will go down as a day when normalcy took a holiday, but life found a way.
