Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and Ghaziabad districts have ordered the closure of all schools, colleges, and technical institutes until August 12 because of the Kanwar Yatra. Exams already scheduled will proceed as planned.

Key Takeaways

  • All schools, colleges, and technical institutions in Meerut and Ghaziabad closed until August 12.
  • Decision driven by student safety and heavy traffic management.
  • Pre‑scheduled examinations will continue on the existing timetable.

Effective from August 3, the district administrations of Meerut and Ghaziabad have issued an order to shut down every educational institution until August 12 because of the annual Kanwar Yatra. The move aims to safeguard students and manage the surge in traffic ahead of Shravan Shivratri.

Meerut school closure order applies to classes 1‑12 across boards such as the Basic Shiksha Parishad, Uttar Pradesh Board, CBSE, CISCE, Madrassa board and other recognized boards. Government and private colleges, universities and technical institutes are also included in the shutdown.

Ghaziabad school closure order similarly mandates the closure of all schools from nursery to class 12, along with colleges, universities and technical institutes. The District Inspector noted, “A large number of Kanwariyas have started moving on various routes, so the decision was taken with students’ safety in mind.”

Both districts clarified that examinations already announced will be conducted as per the existing timetable, and the closure order does not affect them. This clarification helps reduce confusion among students and parents.

Historical Background

Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage during the month of Shravan, where devotees collect holy Ganga water—often from Haridwar—and carry it on foot to Shiva temples across the country. The procession frequently creates massive crowds and traffic snarls in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, prompting temporary school and office closures in the past.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that prolonged school closures can disrupt academic calendars, but prioritizing safety during massive pilgrimages like Kanwar Yatra helps maintain public order and prevents potential accidents on congested routes.

A senior education official stated, “Student safety is paramount, and decisive administrative action during large religious gatherings is essential.”
Did You Know?: The water carried by Kanwariyas is called “Kanwar water” and is considered especially auspicious, often used for rituals at home and in temples after the pilgrimage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are schools in Meerut closed until August 12?
A: Yes, all schools, colleges and technical institutes remain shut until that date, except for examinations already scheduled.

Q: Will Ghaziabad examinations be postponed?
A: No, any exams that were announced beforehand will be held as per the existing schedule.