School Holidays: Authorities Order To Shut Govt, Private Schools Till February 5; Read Details

In response to the discrepancy in the holiday schedule for Basant Panchami, the Uttar Pradesh Secondary Teachers' Association has made a formal request to the Director of Secondary Education. They pointed out that the festival, which holds significant cultural and religious importance, is listed for the wrong date, February 2, instead of the correct date, February 3.

The association’s state president, Suresh Kumar Tripathi, emphasized the need to celebrate Basant Panchami on the actual date to avoid any inconvenience for teachers and students alike. Furthermore, the association has proposed that an additional holiday be observed on January 29 for Mauni Amavasya, a day marked by its special significance for bathing and worship.

Adding to the calls for holiday adjustments, the Vishisht BSTC Teachers Welfare Association has approached Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with a unique request. They have asked for a three-day public holiday to commemorate the Maha Kumbh, an event that is celebrated only once every 144 years. Highlighting the historic and profound significance of this event in Hinduism and Sanskrit culture, the association believes that granting this holiday would allow employees and teachers to participate in the Maha Kumbh festivities with their families. They underscored the spiritual benefits of bathing in the confluence during Maha Kumbh, which is believed to purify the soul and lead to salvation.

In light of the expected significant influx of visitors for the Maha Kumbh and to mitigate traffic congestion, Varanasi district authorities have taken proactive measures for educational institutions. All schools from class 1 to 12 have transitioned to online classes up until February 5, as directed by the District School Inspector following the District Officer’s order. Despite this shift to digital learning, practical examinations will proceed as scheduled, ensuring that students' academic progress is not hindered during this period.