Sri Ram Sene threatens protests over school holiday disputes in Karnataka

In Karnataka, a dispute over school holidays has arisen, focusing particularly on Mangaluru in the Dakshina Kannada district. On September 28, 2026, Pramod Muthalik, the national president of the Sri Ram Sene, issued a warning aimed at Christian and convent schools. Muthalik threatened to stage protests if these institutions do not comply with the government-designated Dasara vacation, which is scheduled from October 3 to October 21, 2026. His remarks came in response to allegations that some private schools are moving the Dasara break to later in the year, ostensibly favoring Christmas-time holidays instead. [1]

Muthalik's grievances revolve around the claim that certain private schools are denying students their rightful Dasara vacation while instead scheduling holidays later in December. Reports indicated that he stated these schools continued with classes, examinations, and other activities throughout the Dasara period, despite the official break mandated by the government. However, it is important to note that these allegations have not been substantiated by independent verification regarding the extent of the claimed practices across all private institutions. [2]

The backdrop of this dispute is rooted in Karnataka’s school calendar for the 2026-27 academic year, which clearly includes a designated break for Dasara. Reports affirm that this holiday applies to government, aided, and unaided private schools throughout the state, indicating that Muthalik’s assertions could reflect legitimate concerns about adherence to the official holiday schedule rather than a question of whether such a break exists legally. [3]

Complicating the situation further, on October 2, 2026, the School Education Department of Karnataka authorized certain schools in Dakshina Kannada to hold special classes during the Dasara vacation. This decision was made in response to earlier disruptions caused by rain-related school closures. As a result, while some activities during the Dasara holiday may be officially sanctioned, the specific terms of engagement could vary depending on the school and the nature of compensatory classes. [4]

Reports corroborate Muthalik's statements and the emerging dispute, including coverage from Mangalorean.com and News Minimalist, both of which cited the event and the warnings issued on September 28. However, the original reports from Deccan Herald remain inaccessible due to restrictions, making the local news accounts the strongest evidence available at present. [1]

As the situation continues to develop in Mangaluru, the stakes remain high for both educational institutions and the protesting groups. The potential for public demonstrations by Sri Ram Sene also raises questions about the ongoing balance between educational governance and community sentiments surrounding religious and cultural observances in the region. With the Dasara vacation approaching, the resolution of this dispute could impact hundreds of students and families across Dakshina Kannada. [1]

Sources

• [1] ದಸರಾ ರಜೆ ವೇಳೆ ತರಗತಿ, ಪರೀಕ್ಷೆ ನಡೆಸಿದರೆ ಧರಣಿ: ಪ್ರಮೋದ್ ಮುತಾಲಿಕ್ ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ - Mangalorean.com
• [2] Sri Ram Sene warns convent schools over Dasara classes in Mangaluru | News Minimalist
• [3] Karnataka schools to get 19-day Dasara holiday from October 3
• [4] Dakshina Kannada schools allowed special classes during Dasara break | News Karnataka

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