Schools In Ghaziabad, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar And Haridwar Closed Till August 2 Amid Kanwar Yatra

All schools in Ghaziabad, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, and Haridwar are closed from today till August 2, 2024, due to the Kanwar Yatra.

Schools closed in many districts due to Kanwar Yatra. (Representative Image)

Source : PTI

All schools in Ghaziabad, Hapur, Muzzafarnagar, and Haridwar are closed from today till August 2, 2024, due to the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. According to the district administration, all schools and educational institutions in Ghaziabad will remain closed from July 29 to August 2 due to the Yatra. "Over the next few days, the Yatra will see lakhs of devotees from across the state converge at Ghaziabad’s Dudeshwar Nath temple."

In Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district, the administration has also announced school holidays for all government and private schools until August 2, 2024. In Hapur, schools will be closed from July 26 to August 2, 2024.

District Magistrate Prerna Sharma said that the holiday has been given to ensure no one faces any issues while traveling.

Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, District Magistrate Arvind Mallapa announced the closure of schools and colleges from July 26 to August 2, 2024. The order mandates the closure of all primary, upper primary, secondary, CBSE, ICSE board-recognized schools, madrasas, degree colleges, DIET, and technical institutes during these eight days.

According to reports, schools in Haridwar will remain closed from July 27 to August 2, 2024. Additionally, Gautam Buddha Nagar has declared a local holiday on August 2, 2024. 

Observed during the Hindu month of Sawan, the Kanwar Yatra holds significant religious importance. Devotees from various cities participate in rituals to honor Lord Shiva. This centuries-old tradition involves devotees traveling on foot to religious sites along the Ganga River to collect holy water, which is then offered at Shiva temples.

According to Hindu mythology, the first Kanwar Yatra was undertaken by Lord Parshuram, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, during Sawan. He is believed to have offered Ganga water to the Shiva Linga. Since then, this ritual has been carried on by devotees who faithfully follow Lord Shiva. Both men and women participate in the Kanwar Yatra festivities. To ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra, the Uttar Pradesh government has made several arrangements.