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The Uttar Pradesh government has issued important directives regarding schools across the state. Due to the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, schools in the state will close at 12:15 PM—effectively a half-day—on Monday.

UP Govt Orders Half-Day in Schools on Monday: In view of the ongoing Kanwar Yatra and the movement of pilgrims across the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued necessary instructions for schools. Schools across the state will close at 12:15 PM (half-day) on Monday. Meanwhile, a previously issued order remains in effect, keeping schools and colleges closed in several districts from August 4 to August 12 due to the Yatra. The administration took this decision considering the increased road congestion and the movement of devotees during the pilgrimage.

Schools to Close at 12:15 PM

According to the Uttar Pradesh government's directive, instead of holding regular classes, schools will close at 12:15 PM on Monday. The aim is to ensure the convenience and safety of students and their families amidst the increased traffic and movement associated with the Kanwar Yatra. Large numbers of devotees and *Kanwariyas* are traveling across various parts of the state for the pilgrimage; consequently, the administration has made necessary adjustments to school operations.

Many Schools and Colleges to Remain Closed from August 4 to 12

Under a previously issued order, instructions have been given to suspend classes in colleges, universities, and technical institutions, in addition to schools, from August 4 to August 12. This order applies to both government and private higher educational institutions. Schools will remain closed for students from Nursery through Class 12. Furthermore, schools affiliated with the Basic Education Council, Secondary Education Council, CBSE, ICSE, and Madrasa Boards also fall within the scope of this order. Additionally, in view of the surging crowds during the Kanwar Yatra, regular classes will remain suspended at government and private colleges, universities, and technical institutes across several districts of Uttar Pradesh. However, the order includes a specific provision for pre-scheduled examinations; institutes with exams already on the schedule may conduct them as planned. In other words, the holiday will not disrupt the schedule of pre-planned examinations.

Orders already in effect in these districts

Orders to close educational institutions have already been issued for several districts, including Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, in light of the Kanwar Yatra. According to the government, the administration is monitoring the situation throughout the pilgrimage, and further directives may be issued if necessary. The month of Shravan began on July 30, 2026, and Shravan Shivratri falls on August 11; this measure has been taken by the administration to ensure safety and manage traffic amidst the increased movement of Kanwariyas during this period.