Schools in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, will be closed from July 30 to August 11, 2026 , for the annual Kanwar Yatra. District administrations in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Haryana may also announce temporary school closures or traffic advisories. Decisions will depend on pilgrimage movement and safety conditions. No statewide school holidays have been announced yet.
What is the Kanwar Yatra?
The Kanwar Yatra is a major annual Hindu pilgrimage. Devotees, known as Kanwariyas, walk long distances. They collect holy water from rivers like the Ganges. This water is then offered to Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage occurs during the Hindu month of Shravan. It culminates on Sawan Shivratri.
Why Schools May Close
District authorities may close schools for several reasons. These include heavy pedestrian traffic. Route diversions can disrupt school transportation. Student safety is a primary concern in crowded areas. Authorities also aim to manage large religious gatherings effectively. Some schools might shift to online classes instead of closing entirely.
Potential School Closures by Region
Uttar Pradesh: Western Uttar Pradesh districts could see closures. These include Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Past years saw class cancellations due to traffic and security. District notifications are expected closer to the date.
Uttarakhand: Haridwar is a key destination. Traffic restrictions are likely. Schools near pilgrimage routes might close if authorities deem it necessary.
Delhi-NCR: Delhi has not announced holidays. Traffic disruptions on routes to Haridwar are possible. Schools near major routes may issue local advisories.
Haryana: Districts like Sonipat and Panipat may experience increased pilgrim movement. Local administrations will decide on school closures based on traffic.
Kanwar Yatra 2026 Dates
The Kanwar Yatra begins on July 30, 2026 , with the start of the Sawan month. The peak of the pilgrimage is on Sawan Shivratri, August 11, 2026 . During this period, traffic advisories and local restrictions will be in place.
Decisions on school holidays are made by district magistrates. They assess crowd density, security needs, and traffic flow.
