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Noida, August 20, 2025: Students in Noida and Greater Noida will get a day off from school this Thursday, August 21, as the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has ordered the closure of all schools in the area. The decision has been taken in view of the annual Guru Dronacharya Mela, which attracts a large number of visitors and often results in heavy traffic congestion and security challenges.

Official Order from the District Administration

According to the order, all government and private schools from nursery to Class 12 will remain closed on Thursday, August 21. Authorities stated that the step has been taken to ensure smooth traffic management, avoid overcrowding, and safeguard schoolchildren during the fair.

The mela, held at the Guru Dronacharya Temple in Dankaur, Greater Noida, is a major religious and cultural event. Every year, thousands of devotees and visitors participate, leading to massive footfall in the region. Considering the traffic snarls and logistical issues that accompany the event, the administration has declared a precautionary holiday for schools.

More Holidays Ahead in August

This won’t be the only break for students in August. Following the Guru Dronacharya Mela holiday, schools will remain closed again on Wednesday, August 27, for Ganesh Chaturthi. In addition, August 26, marking the beginning of Onam, will also be observed as a holiday in many schools across the country. This means the final week of August will be filled with multiple holidays, much to the delight of students.

What is the Guru Dronacharya Mela?

The Guru Dronacharya Fair is held annually to honor Guru Dronacharya, the legendary teacher from the epic Mahabharata, who trained both the Kauravas and Pandavas in warfare and martial arts.

The fair is organized at the Shri Dron Natya Shala premises and continues for nearly 10 days. It features a variety of cultural programs, competitions, and religious rituals, drawing devotees, students, and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Over the years, the mela has become one of the most significant events in the region, bringing together spirituality, tradition, and community celebrations.

Previous Closures for the Mela

This is not the first time schools in Gautam Buddh Nagar have been shut due to the fair. In September 2023, schools, colleges, and universities across the district were also closed for the same reason. Similarly, on August 30, 2024, the district administration declared a holiday for all schools during the event, making it a recurring practice to avoid inconvenience to students and parents.

At that time, authorities had also clarified that no extra classes, coaching sessions, or practice sessions would be allowed on the declared holiday.

Directions for Schools and Parents

The office of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), along with the district administration, has instructed all school managements to inform parents and students in advance about the holiday. Schools have also been asked to ensure strict compliance with the order and avoid conducting any academic activity on August 21.

A Week of Festivities and Time Off for Students

With the festive season in full swing, students in Noida and Greater Noida are set to enjoy a week filled with cultural events, religious celebrations, and holidays. For parents and schools, however, the administration’s order also serves as a reminder of the importance of safety, crowd management, and public convenience during large-scale community gatherings.

👉 Summary: All schools in Noida and Greater Noida, from nursery to Class 12, will remain closed on Thursday, August 21, 2025, due to the Guru Dronacharya Fair. The administration has issued the directive citing heavy footfall, traffic concerns, and student safety.