Schools in several districts of Uttar Pradesh will remain closed from July 16 to 23, 2025, due to the Kanwar Yatra. This annual religious pilgrimage brings lakhs of devotees, called Kanwariyas, onto the roads, creating traffic congestion and safety concerns. To avoid accidents and ensure student safety, districts like Meerut and Muzaffarnagar have ordered all schools—from primary to college level—to shut temporarily.

Authorities say the roads will be heavily occupied, making it unsafe for students to travel. Any school found open during this period will face strict action. In other districts like Varanasi, Bareilly, and Badaun, schools will remain closed on specific days like Mondays and Saturdays, and classes will be compensated later.

Meanwhile, in Hisar, Haryana, all 10,760 private schools will shut down on July 16 to protest the murder of a school principal. Teachers are demanding better safety laws and justice for the incident.

Parents are advised to stay updated with district-wise notices and make alternate arrangements for their children during this period of unexpected holidays.