Kanwar Yatra 2025: All Schools, Colleges Shut in Meerut & Muzaffarnagar from July 16–23
Kanwar Yatra 2025: All Schools, Colleges Shut in Meerut & Muzaffarnagar from July 16–23
Meerut/Muzaffarnagar (UP), July 16, 2025 — In light of the annual Kanwar Yatra 2025, authorities in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar districts of Uttar Pradesh have ordered the closure of all educational institutions from July 16 to July 23 to ensure public safety and smooth management of the massive influx of Kanwariyas.
District officials confirmed that schools, colleges, and technical institutions—both government and private—will remain temporarily shut during this period to minimize traffic congestion and avoid disruptions caused by the heavy pilgrim movement.
Official Orders for Educational Closure
In Meerut, District Magistrate VK Singh issued a formal directive on Tuesday, stating:
“Due to the significant Kanwar Yatra traffic movement, we must prioritize student safety and manage vehicular flow efficiently. Hence, all schools will remain closed till July 23. Classes will resume on July 24.”
Similarly, in Muzaffarnagar, District Magistrate Umesh Mishra enforced a parallel shutdown of all institutions. District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Rajesh Kumar confirmed that orders have been disseminated to all schools affiliated with UP Board, CBSE, and ICSE.
“Strict action will be taken against any institution found violating the closure directive,” Mishra warned, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Additional Closures in Other UP Districts
Apart from Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, other districts have also adjusted academic schedules in view of the Sawan Kanwar Yatra:
- In Bareilly, authorities declared school holidays on all four Mondays of the Sawan month. The closure applies to all institutions within a 5-km radius of Delhi Road and Badaun Road, including CBSE, ICSE, and vocational institutes.
- In Badaun, primary schools (classes 1 to 8) will remain closed every Saturday and Monday during the entire Sawan month to ease pressure on civic infrastructure.
Massive Influx, Law & Order Concerns Prompt Precaution
The Kanwar Yatra, one of the largest annual pilgrimages in North India, sees millions of Kanwariyas travel on foot and in groups to fetch holy water from the Ganges and offer it to Lord Shiva. The 2025 yatra, coinciding with increased Sawan religious fervor, has necessitated additional public safety measures.
Reports of vandalism and unruly behavior by some Kanwariyas have emerged from Haridwar, Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar, prompting law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert. Security has been bolstered across all major Kanwar routes with:
- Deployment of additional police personnel
- Traffic diversions and barriers
- Round-the-clock surveillance
- Emergency response teams
Traffic Management and Public Advisory
With the Delhi-Dehradun highway and several arterial roads heavily impacted by the yatra traffic, the school closure aims to prevent additional strain on the transport network. Authorities are urging residents to limit non-essential travel and follow traffic advisories issued by local police.
Public transport services have been reoriented to ensure the safe passage of Kanwariyas while maintaining essential connectivity.
Final Notes
The temporary closure of educational institutions is a preventive step, ensuring that students and the general public are not caught in potential law-and-order issues or transportation gridlocks during this high-footfall event. With the Kanwar Yatra’s religious and cultural significance, administrative readiness remains key to balancing devotion with public safety.