Schools will remain closed across several districts of western Uttar Pradesh until August 12 due to the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, as district administrations have ordered the temporary shutdown of educational institutions amid the heavy movement of Kanwar pilgrims. The decision has been taken to ensure students’ safety and ease traffic congestion as lakhs of devotees pass through key routes during the annual pilgrimage.Authorities in Ghaziabad, Meerut, Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar have announced the closure of schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions for varying periods during the yatra. While most institutions will remain shut until August 12, examinations that have already been scheduled will be conducted as per the notified timetable.
Schools, colleges to remain closed in Ghaziabad
The Ghaziabad district administration has directed all educational institutions, from nursery schools to Class 12 schools, colleges, universities and technical institutes, to remain closed from August 4 to August 12.However, institutions where examinations have already been scheduled have been permitted to conduct them according to the existing timetable. Students appearing for such examinations have been advised to follow instructions issued by their respective institutions.
Meerut announces closure till August 12
A similar order has been issued in Meerut, where all government and private educational institutions from Classes 1 to 12, along with colleges, universities and technical institutes, will remain closed from August 4 to August 12.The directive covers institutions affiliated with the Basic Shiksha Parishad, Uttar Pradesh Board, CBSE, CISCE, the madrassa board and other recognised education boards, ensuring that the closure applies uniformly across the district.
Baghpat schools shut from August 3
In Baghpat, the district administration has ordered all government and private schools to remain closed from August 3 to August 12.Officials said the decision was taken because of the increasing number of Kanwar pilgrims travelling through the district and the heavy rush at Shiva temples during the ongoing pilgrimage. The movement of devotees has resulted in significant traffic congestion on several important roads.
Muzaffarnagar imposes restrictions during pilgrimage
Muzaffarnagar has also announced the closure of all schools and colleges from August 3 to August 10 in view of the growing influx of Kanwariyas.Apart from educational institution closures, the district administration has implemented traffic diversions to facilitate the movement of pilgrims. Meat shops and restaurants located along designated Kanwar routes have also been directed to remain closed until August 12 as part of arrangements to maintain public order.
Why have schools been closed?
The temporary shutdown of educational institutions is in line with making sure that both students and teachers remain safe during one of the biggest religious festivals in northern India.This festival brings lakhs of devotees every year in western Uttar Pradesh as a part of the the Kanwar Yatra. Because of the festival, there is heavy traffic, and roads are diverted, which makes the district administration implement traffic regulations to facilitate pilgrims and make sure that law and order prevail.Authorities have made it mandatory for educational institutes to follow the temporary shutdown orders, as they may face legal action otherwise.
What is the Kanwar Yatra?
Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that takes place during the sacred month of Shravan among Lord Shiva’s devotees, who are popularly referred to as the Kanwariyas.In the process of the pilgrimage, Kanwariyas gather sacred water from the River Ganga in places like Haridwar and carry it over long distances on foot to their respective places of worship. This water is then offered in the Shiva temple as part of a ritual called jalabhishek.
