These UP districts order closure of schools and colleges from July 16 to 23: Here’s why

Several districts in Uttar Pradesh (UP) have announced temporary closure of educational institutions during the Kanwar Yatra, citing traffic management and public safety concerns.

The closures affect both government and private institutions and vary in duration and schedule across the districts.The orders have been issued by respective district magistrates in view of the increased movement of Kanwariyas and the associated logistical challenges. The Kanwar Yatra, culminating in the festival of Shivratri, has prompted route diversions, traffic congestion, and additional security arrangements, impacting regular academic activities in various regions.School closures in Meerut and MuzaffarnagarIn Meerut district, all primary and upper primary schools under the Basic Education Council, secondary schools under the Secondary Education Department, institutions affiliated with CBSE and ICSE, schools under the Madrasa Board, and all degree and technical colleges will remain closed from July 16 to July 23, 2025. The order was issued by District Magistrate Dr. V.K.

Singh, who stated that the increased movement of Kanwariyas during this period necessitated measures to ensure student safety and manage traffic effectively.

A similar directive has been issued in Muzaffarnagar by District Magistrate Umesh Mishra. All primary, upper primary, secondary, CBSE, ICSE, degree, technical, and DIET institutions—both government and private—will remain closed from July 16 to July 23, 2025.

Strict action has been warned against any institution found operational during this period.

Other affected districts and specific closuresApart from Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, other districts have announced partial closures in accordance with the days of increased Kanwar movement, particularly Mondays and weekends during the Shravan month. The aim is to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of students and the public along major pilgrimage routes.District-wise details of school and college holidays amid Kanwar Yatra

In Varanasi, District Inspector of Schools Bholenath Pratap Singh and Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) in-charge have declared a holiday on the first Monday of Shravan for all types of schools, including council, secondary, CBSE, and ICSE.

In Bareilly, District Magistrate Avinash Singh has directed closure of schools on all four Mondays of the Shravan month. The directive applies to secondary, basic education, CBSE, ICSE, ITIs, and vocational institutions, especially those within a 5 km radius of Delhi Road and Badaun Road.

Staff are required to be present for government duties. Scheduled examinations will continue as planned.

In Badaun, primary schools (Classes 1 to 8) will remain closed every Saturday and Monday throughout the Shravan month. This includes council, recognised, aided, and CBSE/ICSE-affiliated institutions. Route diversion plans are in place to facilitate the Yatra.The administration in all affected districts has emphasised the need to plan academic adjustments accordingly. Missed teaching days may be compensated on Sundays to maintain academic continuity.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.