Schools Closed In Several Districts Across India Due To Kanwar Yatra; Check List

It is the first Monday (Somwar) of the holy Hindu month of Sawan (Shravan Maas) that is devoted to the puja of Lord Shiva. Fans and followers all over India keep Sawan Somwar Vrats—every Monday fasts in this month—to seek divine blessings. Jalabhishek rituals, such as offerings of water, milk, Bel leaves, and Ganga Jal on the Shivling, are common on this holy day.

Kanwar Yatra Impact on Schools

The Kanwar Yatra, in which millions of pilgrims called Kanwariyas walk with Ganga water to present it at Shiva temples, is also affecting public movement and services—schools among them—in some districts.

District-Wise School Shutdowns Today

Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi & Budaun

District Magistrates in Varanasi and Budaun have ordered all schools to close on every Monday during the month of Sawan. The initiative is intended to reduce congestion and ensure the safety of students in the face of heavy pilgrim movement.

Uttarakhand: Haridwar

In Haridwar city, a place of pilgrimage that witnesses huge gatherings for the Kanwar Yatra, all schools and Anganwadi centers have been closed for today by the district administration, according to media reports. This was done in order to make traffic management less cumbersome and keep the public safe with the huge Kanwari Yatris' gatherings.

Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain

The Ujjain authorities, who are responsible for the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, have made an official announcement that schools will be closed on every Monday throughout Sawan. This is because of the huge crowd of devotees and to enable efficient crowd control of the city.

Haryana: Nuh District

Schools in Haryana's Nuh district were closed on July 4, coinciding with the Jalabhishek Yatra—a crucial ritual that coincides with the Kanwar Yatra festival. The holiday was declared as a measure of caution to streamline crowd movement and security.

With the religious rituals of Sawan Somwar and masses joining the Kanwar Yatra, some districts in India have closed schools for a day to maintain hassle-free conduct of religious festivals and public security. Such school closure is likely to repeat on following Mondays for the duration of the Sawan month in those areas. Students and parents are advised to contact their respective schools for more details.