School Holidays: UP schools shut amid Kanwar Yatra; Telangana observes Bonalu festival
In western UP, districts including Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, Badaun, Varanasi, and others have ordered the closure of all government and private schools, colleges, and even Anganwadi centres from July 16 to 23 to ensure safety and manage traffic disruptions during the Kanwar Yatra.
The month-long pilgrimage sees lakhs of Kanwariyas, or Shiva devotees, walking with sacred Ganga water, especially peaking around Shivratri on July 23, causing congestion and potential hazards on schools' regular routes.
Due to the heavy footfall and potential law-and-order concerns during the Kanwar Yatra, Meerut District Magistrate Dr VK Singh has ordered the closure of all recognised schools, including government, private, UP Board, CBSE, and ICSE institutions. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to avoid any disruptions or untoward incidents during the religious procession. Schools will resume normal operations from July 24. The DM has also issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against any school found violating the closure directive.
The District Magistrate of Muzaffarnagar has announced a holiday for all government and private schools in the district from July 16 to July 23. Acting on the DM's directive, District School Inspector (DIOS) Rajesh Kumar has issued orders to all educational institutions, including those under council, secondary, degree, and technical boards. The closure applies uniformly to schools affiliated with UP Board, CBSE, and ICSE. The administration has clearly stated that any violation of these instructions, by government or private institutions, will invite strict action.
Bonalu is a regional festival dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. Celebrated in the month of June and July, this event features processions, folk performances, and offerings of Bonam – pots of rice, milk, sweets to local temples.
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