Schools Taking Mondays Off in UP & MP for Sawan – Here’s Why
So here’s the deal – if you’re in parts of Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh, don’t bother packing those school bags on Mondays this Sawan. The state governments have decided to give weekly holidays every Monday during this holy month. And honestly? It makes perfect sense when you think about the chaos that is the Kanwar Yatra. Let me break it down for you.
Wait, Why Mondays Though?
Sawan’s Special Connection:
You know how some months just hit different? For Shiva devotees, Sawan is that month. It’s like the VIP season for Lord Shiva worship. And Mondays? Those are basically Shiva’s special days – people fast, pray, and the whole nine yards. But here’s the kicker: millions hit the roads for the Kanwar Yatra during this time.
The Practical Side:
Imagine trying to get kids to school when half the town is walking with those colorful kanwars (those decorated water pots, for the uninitiated). Traffic becomes a nightmare. So the government basically said, “Let’s just take Mondays off and avoid this mess.” Smart move, if you ask me.
Where Exactly Is This Happening?
UP’s Hotspots:
We’re talking major pilgrimage cities – Varanasi (obviously), Prayagraj, Ayodhya. Places where you can’t throw a stone without hitting a Shiva temple. Mathura’s in the mix too.
MP’s Main Areas:
Ujjain – because Mahakaleshwar temple. Indore and Bhopal are on the list too. Though some places might do partial closures, so better check with your kid’s school.
Dates You Need to Circle
Mark Your Calendars:
From July 22 to August 19 – every single Monday is a no-school day in these areas. That’s five free Mondays, if you’re counting.
But Here’s the Catch:
Some schools might still open for exams or important events. My cousin in Prayagraj was telling me how her daughter’s school is doing half-days for practicals. So yeah, don’t just assume – check with your school.
What This Means for Parents and Kids
For Students:
Extra long weekends sound great until you realize they might extend the school year. Some schools are already talking about Saturday classes or extra assignments. Typical, right?
For Parents:
Childcare on Mondays is now your new puzzle to solve. But here’s a thought – why not take the kids to see the yatra? It’s like a free cultural lesson with some serious people-watching opportunities.
How to Stay in the Loop
Official Channels:
Your best bet is the state education department’s website. Some schools are sending WhatsApp updates too – because let’s face it, who checks emails regularly?
Local News:
Keep an eye on regional newspapers or even those hyperlocal news channels. They’ll shout about any last-minute changes before anyone else does.
Not the First Time, Won’t Be the Last
Rajasthan does this dance with winter breaks during local festivals. Ujjain? They’ve been known to flip Sundays and Mondays during pilgrimage season. It’s India’s way of saying education matters, but so does our culture – and we’ll make both work.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, these Sawan holidays show how India juggles tradition with modern life. Kids get bonus days off (though they’ll probably complain about makeup classes later). Devotees get their pilgrimage without school buses adding to the traffic. And parents? Well, you get to figure out what to do with suddenly-free Mondays. Maybe take a page from the kids’ book and enjoy the break while it lasts.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
