July 14 School Holiday: Monday School Shutdowns Declared in These Districts Due to Sawan Somwar

As the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) begins, several districts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have announced school holidays on Monday, July 14, in view of the Kanwar Yatra 2025. This annual pilgrimage, which sees thousands of Kanwariyas walking long distances to fetch Ganga water for Jalabhishek, often leads to crowded roads and heavy traffic disruptions.

To manage the surge of devotees and ensure the safety of schoolchildren, district administrations have ordered that all government and private schools remain closed on Mondays during the Sawan period.

Which Districts Are Affected?

In Uttar Pradesh, the districts of Varanasi and Budaun have officially declared Monday closures throughout Sawan. The District Magistrates of both regions have issued directives instructing school authorities to strictly comply with this temporary shutdown.

Meanwhile, in Haryana, Nuh district has declared a school holiday on July 13 and 14 due to the Jalabhishek Yatra, which coincides with the Kanwar Yatra activities in the area.

Why the Holiday?

The decision stems from concerns over:

• Road safety for school buses and children
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Managing large-scale religious gatherings
• Preventing law and order issues

Authorities believe that closing schools on Sawan Mondays will help maintain order and reduce pressure on local infrastructure.

What Is Kanwar Yatra?

The Kanwar Yatra is one of the biggest religious pilgrimages in North India. It begins after the onset of Sawan, a month considered highly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, collect water from the Ganges and carry it across hundreds of kilometers to offer it to Shiva temples in their hometowns.

When Does Sawan Start?

The Sawan month in 2025 begins on July 9 and continues through mid-August. Monday (Sawan Somwar) is considered especially sacred, with thousands of devotees taking to the roads, creating the need for strategic closures and traffic rerouting.

What to Expect?

Expect more districts to follow suit if the Kanwariya turnout increases

Local authorities may issue updates weekly based on the crowd situation

Parents are advised to check with school administrations for exact holiday dates