Schools, colleges in Haridwar to remain closed during Kanwar Mela, online classes ordered

Haridwar, 25 Jul: Haridwar district administration today announced closure of all the government and the private schools, higher education institutions, technical and professional colleges as well as Anganwadi centres from 30 July to 11 August 2026 in view of the heavy influx of Kanwariyas and the need to maintain smooth traffic arrangements. It may be reminded here that this year, the Kanwar season is officially beginning on 30 July and will last till 11 August. The orders to this effect were issued today by District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit who directed that the academic activities during this period be conducted online so that students’ studies are not disrupted.
The order also states that during the Kanwar Mela lakhs of devotees arrive in Haridwar every day, leading to congestion on national and state highways and other major roads. For the safety of the pilgrims, traffic diversions and temporary closures of several routes are enforced, which makes commuting difficult for the students and may affect their security. Considering these circumstances, the administration has decided to suspend regular academic work across the district. The order further states that the closure will apply only to physical classes, while institutions would have to continue teaching through the online platforms.
The DM has made it clear that there should be no interruption in students’ education during the holiday period. Schools, colleges and universities are required to conduct online classes, provide the study material and use digital means to ensure continuity of learning. Institutions would also have to inform the students and the parents in advance about the online arrangements. Departments of education, higher education, technical education, women and child development along with school managements and principals have been directed to strictly comply with the order.
It may be recalled that the Kanwar Mela in Haridwar will begin on 30 July and continue till 11 August. Last year more than four crore Kanwariyas visited Haridwar, and this year the figure is expected to reach five crores. The administration is finalising preparations to manage the massive gathering. According to DM Mayur Dikshit, the closure of educational institutions during the mela will help maintain the traffic and the security arrangements and also ensure that the students’ studies continue uninterrupted through online mode.