Dense fog and Magh Mela lead to school shutdowns in parts of north India

District authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have announced school closures and revised schedules in response to large public events and severe winter conditions, affecting students across multiple regions.

In Prayagraj, all government and private schools will remain shut until Jan 20 for students up to Class 8, as the administration extended the ongoing holiday period due to the Magh Mela and an expected influx of pilgrims.

Officials said the decision was taken to ensure student safety amid anticipated traffic congestion and movement restrictions during major bathing days, including Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya.

According to officials, lakhs of devotees are expected to arrive in Prayagraj between Jan 16 and Jan 20 for the holy dip at the Sangam, raising concerns over heavy crowding, traffic jams, and disruption of normal movement across the city.

To prevent inconvenience to students and parents, the district administration decided to suspend physical classes during this period.

The official order states that all government, aided, and private schools in the district will remain completely closed during the specified days, and no institution will be allowed to operate.

Schools have been advised to conduct online classes to ensure academic activities and syllabus coverage continue without disruption.

In Gautam Buddh Nagar, schools up to Class 8 will remain closed until Jan 17 due to dense fog and extreme cold, the district administration said on Jan 16.

The order, issued by Basic Education Officer Rahul Panwar, said the decision followed directions from the district magistrate in view of prevailing weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has revised school timings across the state as a precautionary measure against harsh winter weather.

As per an official notice, all government, aided, and private schools will operate on reduced hours from Jan 16 to Jan 21, 2026.

Under the revised schedule, primary schools will function from 10 am to 3 pm, while upper primary, secondary, and senior secondary schools will operate from 10 am to 3:30 pm.

The notice directed school heads to strictly follow the modified timings and ensure that students are not required to report before the stipulated hours, citing student safety and uniformity in school operations across Punjab.