The Uttar Pradesh government has announced that all schools and colleges in Muzaffarnagar will remain closed from July 26 to August 2, 2024, due to the Kanwar Yatra. This decision is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of students during the annual religious procession.
The closure order affects all educational institutions in Muzaffarnagar, encompassing primary, upper primary, secondary, and degree colleges, as well as technical institutes. According to Times of India reports, the district administration has advised students and parents to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate this temporary closure.
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage in which devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, travel on foot to collect holy water from the Ganges River and carry it back to their local Shiva temples. The yatra attracts a large number of participants, leading to significant road congestion and potential disruptions. By closing schools and colleges, the government aims to minimise any risks to students and ensure a smooth conduct of the yatra.
District authorities have emphasised that the decision to close educational institutions is primarily focused on the safety of the students. With the large influx of devotees, managing the crowds and ensuring smooth traffic flow becomes challenging. The closure will help in reducing the number of people on the roads, thereby preventing potential accidents and easing the movement of Kanwariyas.
The administration has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to maintain law and order during this period. Security personnel will be deployed in strategic locations to manage the crowd and ensure the safety of both the devotees and the local residents. Additionally, arrangements will be made to provide medical assistance and other essential services to the pilgrims.
Parents and students have been urged to stay informed about the situation and follow the instructions issued by the local authorities. Educational institutions are expected to communicate any updates or changes regarding the closure to ensure that students and their families are well-prepared.
The government’s proactive approach in announcing the closure well in advance is intended to give ample time for families to plan accordingly. This measure reflects the administration's commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of the students while respecting the cultural and religious significance of the Kanwar Yatra.
Overall, the temporary closure of schools and colleges during the Kanwar Yatra is seen as a necessary step to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of the pilgrimage, while safeguarding the interests of the educational community in Muzaffarnagar.