Tamil Nadu School Holiday On July 23: Thiruvathirai Festival Off For This District

Ever since schools reopened in the first week of June, students in Tamil Nadu have been longing for a break. With no holidays apart from Sundays, and even the Moharam festival falling on a Monday (July 17) giving no mid-week respite, students were feeling the grind.

But here's a reason to smile - a district is finally getting holidays, thanks to local festivities.

In Ariyalur, schools will remain closed on July 23 for the grand Thiruvathirai Festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Aadi. This festival marks the birthday of the legendary Chola king Rajendra Chola I and sees thousands of devotees gather at the historic Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple. The Tamil Nadu government officially recognised it as a government festival in 2022, following public demand.

Adding to the festive vibe in Ariyalur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram on July 27 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of King Rajendra Chola's Gangetic conquest. A commemorative coin is likely to be released during the celebration at the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Brihadeeswarar temple.

To compensate for the day off, Saturday, July 26 will be a full working day for schools in the district.

So yes, holidays are here - just not for everyone. For Ariyalur school students, it's time to enjoy a well-earned break and a bit of history!