In response to multiple factors, schools in various districts across several states were closed on Monday. The primary reasons for these closures include the commencement of the Kanwar Yatra 2024 and severe weather conditions in some regions.
Kanwar Yatra 2024
The Kanwar Yatra, a significant religious event for Lord Shiva devotees, started this Monday, marking the beginning of the month of Sawan. This event leads to increased pilgrim activity, especially in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Authorities have rerouted several pathways to accommodate the influx of devotees traveling to temples, which results in heavy traffic and road diversions, creating challenges for school children.
School Closure Plan
To address these challenges, authorities have decided to close schools on Mondays during the entire Sawan month, ensuring the safety and convenience of students. Schools will instead remain open on Sundays. This adjustment will be in effect from July 22 to September 2. The affected districts include:
- Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi
- Madhya Pradesh: Indore, Ujjain
These cities are known for their significant Lord Shiva temples, attracting large numbers of devotees during the Sawan month.
Impact of Heavy Rains
In addition to the religious observances, heavy rainfall in Maharashtra and Karnataka has prompted further school closures. Authorities in these states have declared holidays in flood-prone areas to ensure the safety of students and staff. Specific regions affected include:
- Maharashtra: Mumbai, Pune, and other cities
- Karnataka: Various flood-prone areas
Continuous rainfall over the past several weeks has led to severe waterlogging, making travel to and from schools hazardous. The authorities have issued a red alert in these areas, necessitating the closure of schools.
This decision aims to minimize the disruption caused by both the Kanwar Yatra and adverse weather conditions, prioritizing the well-being of students and their families.
