Schools Closed: With the onset of the holy month of Sawan, the Kanwar Yatra has commenced nationwide. Temples nationwide are witnessing huge crowds of devotees offering prayers to Lord Shiva. Anticipating heavy congestion on highways and city roads, the administrations of several districts in Uttar Pradesh have announced the temporary closure of schools and colleges.

Orders have been issued to keep educational institutions closed in the districts of Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Bareilly due to the Kanwar Yatra. This directive applies to both schools and colleges, and action will be taken against any institution that fails to comply. Let us look at the specific districts in UP where these closure orders have been issued.

Schools Closed in Muzaffarnagar and Meerut until August 12

The Uttar Pradesh government has categorised Muzaffarnagar as a sensitive area. To ensure there is no inconvenience to either the Kanwariyas (pilgrims) or the students, an order has been issued to keep all government schools and colleges completely closed from August 3 to August 12. Apart from Muzaffarnagar, schools in Meerut will also remain closed until August 12. However, some private schools have decided to continue online classes to ensure students’ education is not disrupted.

Holidays in Ghaziabad from August 4 to 12

According to a notification issued by the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), schools and colleges in Ghaziabad will remain closed from August 4 to August 12.

Schools Closed in Bareilly and Badaun

In Bareilly, UP, an order has been issued to observe a holiday on every Monday during the month of Sawan. Additionally, in Badaun, schools will remain closed on Saturdays and Mondays throughout Sawan for classes 1 through 12.

When Will Schools Reopen?

Reopening dates vary across districts based on local administrative orders regarding the Kanwar Yatra. Schools in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar are scheduled to reopen on August 11. Schools in Ghaziabad are expected to reopen on August 13 after remaining closed from August 4 to August 12. In Bareilly, schools will remain closed only on Mondays and will stay open on other days.

Why is the Kanwar Yatra undertaken during the month of Sawan?

The holy month of Sawan is particularly dear to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, when Lord Shiva consumed the deadly *Halahal* poison that emerged from the *Samudra Manthan* (churning of the ocean), his throat turned blue from its intensity; hence, he is also known as ‘Neelkanth’ (the one with the blue throat). To soothe the searing heat and burning sensation caused by the poison, Lord Parashuram performed an *Abhishek* (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva using water from the holy river Ganga.

When is the Kanwar Yatra water offered?

According to the Vedic calendar, the water collected during the Kanwar Yatra is offered on the day of Sawan Shivratri. A special *Jal-Abhishek* (ritual offering of water) is performed for Lord Shiva on this auspicious occasion. Religious belief holds that performing this ritual invokes Mahadev’s blessings. This year, Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on August 11, and the Kanwar Yatra water will be offered on that day.