23 July 2025 School Holiday Alert: Schools Closed for Sawan Shivratri

23 July 2025 School Holiday: As the sacred month of Sawan begins, many regions in North India are gearing up for an influx of devotees and the grand celebration of Sawan Shivratri. With the Kanwar Yatra attracting massive crowds and paralyzing traffic in key areas, several state governments have declared school holidays to ensure student safety.

When is Sawan Shivratri 2025?

This year, Sawan Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. There was some initial confusion about the exact date—whether it would fall on July 22 or 23—but the final confirmation has now clarified it.

Sawan Shivratri holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated with great fervor, especially in Northern India, where thousands undertake the Kanwar Yatra, collecting holy Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples.

Why Are Schools Closing During Sawan?

The Kanwar Yatra brings with it huge crowds, roadblocks, and heavy traffic, especially near temples and pilgrimage routes. To avoid inconvenience and ensure the safety of school-going children, many districts in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and other parts of North India have decided to shut schools on key days of Sawan.

Authorities cite logistical difficulties and traffic disruptions as the primary reasons. In some cities, roads are turned into no-vehicle zones, making student transport challenging. Schools in sensitive areas have been advised to either conduct online classes or compensate for missed sessions on Sundays.

Districts Where Schools Will Remain Closed

Here’s a quick breakdown of school closures across major regions:

Meerut & Muzaffarnagar (UP)

• Holiday Period: July 16 to July 23
• All schools and colleges to remain shut.
• Violation of orders may invite strict action.

Bareilly (UP)

• Schools and colleges will remain closed on all Sawan Mondays: July 14, 21, 28 and August 4.
• Applies particularly to areas within a 5 km stretch of the Delhi-Badaun highway.

Budaun (UP)

• For students in classes 1 to 8, schools will remain closed on Saturdays and Mondays during the Sawan period:
  • July 19–21, July 26–28, and August 2–4.
• However, teachers’ attendance will still be mandatory.

Ujjain (MP)

• Schools will remain closed on every Monday from July 14 to August 11.
• To compensate, Sunday classes will be held.
• The decision is influenced by the large gatherings near the Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Varanasi (UP)

• Schools will also remain closed on Sawan Mondays, with make-up classes scheduled for Sundays.

Jabalpur (MP)

• Holiday declared for July 21 due to expected traffic disruptions.

Noida & Ghaziabad (Delhi-NCR)

• Most schools in the region will observe a holiday on July 23 for Sawan Shivratri.

Important Advisory for Students and Parents

Parents are advised to check with school authorities before sending children to school on the mentioned dates. While many schools have already issued holiday notices, some may still conduct classes or switch to online mode. In case of uncertainty, contact your child’s teacher or school administration to confirm the latest update.

Why Is Sawan Shivratri Celebrated?

Sawan Shivratri is dedicated to the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees worship Shiva by offering water, milk, bel leaves, and flowers to Shivlingas. The Kanwar Yatra sees lakhs of devotees walking long distances from places like Haridwar and Gangotri to fetch Ganga water and offer it to local temples. This mass pilgrimage causes widespread road congestion, prompting precautionary school closures in affected areas.

Final Thoughts

As Sawan brings with it devotion, faith, and massive public participation, authorities are prioritizing student safety through timely school closures. With the confirmed date of Sawan Shivratri on July 23, 2025, and scheduled Kanwar Yatras throughout the month, parents should stay alert to updates and school notices.