School Holiday: Authorities Order To Shut Govt, Private Schools In THESE States This Weekend

The final week of August has brought both festive cheer and severe weather disruptions across India. Heavy rainfall in several northern states, combined with the ongoing Onam festival in Kerala, has prompted multiple governments to declare school holidays on August 29 and beyond.

Karnataka School Holiday on August 29

In the latest update, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan announced on Thursday that all schools and Pre-University Colleges in the district will remain closed on Friday, August 29, due to the heavy rain forecast.

Jammu and Kashmir: Schools Shut Till August 30

In Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have announced the closure of all government and private schools in the Jammu division until August 30, 2025. The move comes after continuous heavy rainfall led to unsafe conditions across the region.

An official notice issued on platform X by the Directorate of School Education Jammu (DSEJ) reads:

"Due to continuous heavy rainfall & unsafe conditions, all Govt & Pvt Schools across Jammu Division will remain closed till 30th August 2025. Parents & students are advised to stay updated through official channels."

Schools are expected to reopen on September 1, 2025, after the weather situation improves.

Punjab: Educational Institutions Closed Till August 30

In Punjab, heavy downpours have lashed several districts, including Pathankot, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, and Patiala. In response, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all schools, from primary to senior secondary, will remain closed till Saturday, August 30.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain in the state, raising concerns of waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

Himachal Pradesh: Alerts Issued, Schools Affected

Himachal Pradesh continues to struggle with intense rainfall. The IMD has issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts, while Shimla and Mandi are under a yellow alert on August 29. From August 30-31, orange alerts are in place for Mandi, Shimla, and Solan.

In view of the weather warnings, district administrations have either declared school closures or are expected to issue orders shortly. Landslides and flash floods have been reported in isolated areas, making student safety a top priority.

Kerala: Onam Festival Brings 10-Day Holiday

In contrast to rain-related closures, Kerala is celebrating Onam, one of its biggest festivals. Schools in the state are enjoying a 10-day holiday from August 27 to September 7, 2025. Classes are scheduled to resume on September 8 once the celebrations conclude.

According to the IMD, above-normal rainfall is expected across north, west, and central India until at least September 4, with wet weather likely persisting until September 18.

Experts link the erratic monsoon to climate change, which has shifted the path of the monsoon trough and triggered more low-pressure systems over northern India. A warmer atmosphere is also leading to shorter rainy spells but more intense downpours, resulting in flash floods and cloudbursts.