July School Holidays: State-wise list of closures, summer breaks, revised timings

As extreme weather conditions continue to disrupt normal life across India, several state governments and district administrations have announced school holidays, summer vacations and revised class timings for the safety of the students. While parts of north India continue to battle an intense heatwave, several regions in the west are witnessing heavy monsoon rains, prompting weather-related closures.

From a two-week summer vacation in Kashmir to rain-induced school holidays in Maharashtra and revised school timings in Noida, here's a state-wise roundup of the latest announcements affecting schools in July.

KASHMIR: TWO-WEEK SUMMER VACATION FROM JULY 6

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced a two-week summer vacation for all government and recognised private schools up to the higher secondary level in the Kashmir Valley.

According to an order issued by the Directorate of School Education, schools will remain closed from July 6 to July 19 due to the prevailing heatwave conditions. The Valley has been witnessing unusually high daytime temperatures, with several areas recording above-normal maximum temperatures.

MAHARASHTRA: SCHOOLS SHUT IN PALGHAR AND RAIGAD DUE TO HEAVY RAINS

Amid intense monsoon conditions, the district administrations of Palghar and Raigad declared a public holiday for all primary, secondary and higher secondary schools on July 2.

The decision was taken to ensure student safety as heavy rainfall continued across the region. However, teaching and non-teaching staff have been directed to report for duty and remain available for disaster management-related work as instructed by local authorities.

The weather disruption has also impacted higher education. The University of Mumbai cancelled examinations scheduled for July 2 for colleges located in Palghar district and those under the Panvel Municipal Corporation. Revised examination dates will be announced later on the university's official website.

WEST BENGAL: PUBLIC HOLIDAY ON JULY 6

The West Bengal government has declared July 6 a public holiday across the state to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mukherjee.

Schools, colleges and government offices are expected to remain closed on the occasion.

NOIDA: SCHOOL TIMINGS REVISED AMID HEATWAVE

In view of the continuing high temperatures in the National Capital Region, authorities in Noida have revised school timings for students studying in Classes 1 to 8.

Schools have been instructed to conduct classes only during the morning hours until further orders. The district administration said the measure has been taken to minimise children's exposure to extreme heat and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Educational institutions have been directed to strictly follow the revised schedule until fresh instructions are issued.

RATH YATRA IN ODISHA

The annual Rath Yatra, one of Odisha's biggest religious festivals, will be observed on July 16, with grand celebrations centred around the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The festival marks the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in massive wooden chariots pulled by thousands of devotees. Owing to the scale of the celebrations, heavy pilgrim footfall and extensive security arrangements, schools and educational institutions in Odisha are typically closed on the day of the festival. Local authorities may also announce additional restrictions or holidays in districts witnessing large processions.

With both heatwave and monsoon conditions continuing to affect different parts of the country, state governments and district administrations may issue additional school holiday notifications in the coming days. Students and parents are advised to regularly check official announcements from their respective education departments and district authorities for the latest updates.