Schools in parts of Uttar Pradesh to remain shut till July 23 for Kanwar Yatra

Schools across several districts in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed from July 16 to July 23 due to the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, an annual religious pilgrimage that sees the participation of lakhs of devotees.

The closures, ordered by local administrations, are intended to prevent disruption and ensure public safety as Kanwariyas travel in large numbers, especially with Shivratri falling on July 23 this year.

The pilgrimage typically results in heavy road traffic and congestion, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.

In Meerut, District Magistrate Dr VK Singh has instructed that all schools affiliated with the UP Board, CBSE, and ICSE remain shut for the week.

The administration has warned, "Strict action will be taken against institutions that do not comply with the closure orders."

Muzaffarnagar has issued a similar directive. District Magistrate Arvind Mallappa Bangari and District Inspector of Schools Rajesh Kumar jointly ordered the closure of all schools under council, secondary, and technical boards during the same period.

Other districts, including Badaun, Bareilly, and Varanasi, have also announced school closures for the duration of the Yatra.

The step is seen as a preventive measure to maintain order and avoid inconvenience to students, staff, and the general public amid the large-scale movement of pilgrims.