School Holiday Today:
As the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) begins, many districts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have declared school holidays on Monday, July 14, due to the Kanwar Yatra 2025. This religious journey involves thousands of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, who walk long distances to collect Ganga water for religious offerings. The large number of pilgrims can lead to traffic jams and disruptions on the roads.
To ensure the safety of schoolchildren and to manage the heavy traffic, the local governments have decided to close both government and private schools on Mondays during the Sawan period.
Which Areas Are Affected?
In Uttar Pradesh, the districts of Varanasi and Budaun have announced school closures on Mondays throughout Sawan. School authorities in these areas have been instructed to follow this directive.
In Haryana, the Nuh district will also have a school holiday on July 13 and 14 due to the coinciding Jalabhishek Yatra, which is part of the Kanwar Yatra celebrations.
Why Are Schools Closed?
The main reasons for the school closures include:
Ensuring road safety for school buses and students
Managing heavy traffic caused by the pilgrimage
Preventing any issues related to law and order during large gatherings
By closing schools on Sawan Mondays, the authorities hope to reduce pressure on local infrastructure and maintain order in these busy districts.
What Is the Kanwar Yatra?
The Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest religious pilgrimages in North India, which takes place during the Sawan month, considered sacred for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees, called Kanwariyas, collect water from the Ganges and travel long distances to offer it to Shiva temples in their hometowns.
When Does Sawan Start?
The Sawan month starts on July 9 and continues until mid-August. Mondays in this period, known as Sawan Somwar, are particularly sacred, with large numbers of devotees taking to the roads. This increases the need for strategic traffic control and school closures.
What to Expect?
If the number of Kanwariyas increases, more districts may announce school holidays. Local authorities might provide updates on school closures depending on the situation. Parents should check with school administrations for exact dates of closures.
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