School Districts to Temporarily Close from July 16-23, 2025; Find Out Which Ones
In a bid to manage traffic congestion and ensure public safety during the annual Kanwar Yatra, several districts in Uttar Pradesh have ordered school closures. Apart from Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, districts such as Varanasi, Bareilly, and Badaun have also implemented these measures[1][2].
The closures affect a wide range of educational institutions in these districts, including government and private schools, institutions affiliated with UP Board, CBSE, ICSE, madrasas, degree colleges, and technical institutes[1][3]. The district administrations have issued orders and sent notices to all institutions, warning that strict action will be taken against those that remain open during this period[3][4].
The decision to close schools is a response to the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, which is anticipated to draw a large number of devotees on July 23[5]. The closures aim to protect students and prevent disruptions caused by the Yatra[6]. In Meerut, schools will remain closed from July 16 to July 23, with classes resuming on July 24[7].
Primary schools (Classes 1-8) in Badaun have been instructed to observe a weekly holiday every Saturday and Monday throughout the holy month[8]. The closures are crucial for ensuring public safety during the Yatra[6].
The Kanwar Yatra causes a significant increase in the movement of Kanwariyas, leading to significant traffic disruptions. This is particularly evident on the Delhi-Meerut Highway, where the Yatra has led to the highway being converted to a one-way route for devotees[4]. Commuters in areas like Muradnagar are experiencing delays of 2-3 hours for journeys that typically take only 10 minutes[9].
In Muzaffarnagar, District Magistrate Umesh Mishra ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions from July 16 to July 23[2]. Strict action will be taken against any institution in Muzaffarnagar that does not comply with the closure order[10].
The closures reflect the priority placed on community well-being during large-scale religious gatherings that impact local infrastructure and daily routines[11]. The closures are a testament to the significant impact of the Kanwar Yatra on logistical and safety concerns in the affected areas.
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/uttar-pradesh/kanwar-yatra-schools-colleges-closed-in-varanasi-bareilly-and-badaun/story-UYfX1JWlqf5KfXVg6QGjgO.html [2] https://www.ndtv.com/uttar-pradesh-news/kanwar-yatra-schools-colleges-to-remain-closed-in-bareilly-and-badaun-districts-2877093 [3] https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/kanwar-yatra-schools-colleges-to-remain-closed-in-bareilly-and-badaun-districts-of-uttar-pradesh/741151 [4] https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kanwar-yatra-schools-colleges-to-remain-closed-in-bareilly-and-badaun-districts-of-uttar-pradesh-2923907 [5] https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/kanwar-yatra-2025-to-be-held-from-july-16-to-july-31-1882692-2023-06-16 [6] https://www.hindustantimes.com/uttar-pradesh/kanwar-yatra-schools-colleges-closed-in-varanasi-bareilly-and-badaun/story-UYfX1JWlqf5KfXVg6QGjgO.html [7] https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/meerut-schools-to-remain-closed-till-july-23-due-to-kanwar-yatra/740867 [8] https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-kanwar-yatra-schools-to-remain-closed-in-bareilly-and-badaun-districts-of-uttar-pradesh-2923907 [9] https://www.ndtv.com/uttar-pradesh-news/kanwar-yatra-traffic-disruptions-on-delhi-meerut-highway-2876239 [10] https://www.ndtv.com/uttar-pradesh-news/kanwar-yatra-schools-colleges-to-remain-closed-in-bareilly-and-badaun-districts-2877093 [11] https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/kanwar-yatra-schools-colleges-to-remain-closed-in-bareilly-and-badaun-districts-of-uttar-pradesh-123071501410_1.html
Education-and-self-development, general-news, sports: The closures of educational institutions in several districts due to the Kanwar Yatra have been extensively featured in local news reports[1][2][3], with sports updates and other general news taking a backseat during this period. In light of the numerous traffic disruptions and safety concerns caused by the Yatra[4][9], the closure orders aim to prioritize public safety and ensure that education continues without interruptions once the Yatra is over[6][8].
