On Tuesday, 26 August 2025, millions of students across India woke up to find that their schools would remain closed. The reason? A powerful mix of relentless monsoon rains in some parts of the country and regional festivals in others. While in the north, authorities prioritized safety due to waterlogging, landslides, and flood threats, states in the east and south declared holidays in observance of cultural and religious events like Hartalika Teej and Onam.
This convergence of climate and culture highlights the unique way India balances natural challenges with its deep-rooted traditions. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons, state-wise updates, and the broader impact of these closures.
1. Monsoon Mayhem: States That Closed Schools Due to Rains
Rajasthan
In Rajasthan, heavy rainfall battered multiple districts including Jaipur, Alwar, Nagaur, Sikar, Bundi, Udaipur, Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Kota, and Bhilwara. The downpour caused waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and even flood-like situations in low-lying areas. District administrations ordered schools to remain shut on 26 August, prioritizing the safety of children who would otherwise have had to travel through submerged roads and unsafe conditions.
In Udaipur (rural areas especially), schools were closed as torrential rain warnings were issued. Local authorities feared soil erosion and damage to fragile infrastructure if classes were allowed to continue.
Jammu Division (J&K)
The Jammu division witnessed torrential rains that triggered flash flood alerts. The Directorate of School Education ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the region for the day. This decision was taken to prevent accidents, particularly in hilly terrains and riverbank zones where sudden floods are more likely.
Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon wreaked havoc, with reports of landslides and flash floods disrupting connectivity. Several rural schools suffered infrastructure damage, and in one case, a school building in Una district was partially destroyed, leading to emergency relocations of classes. With roads blocked and safety at risk, authorities decided to keep schools shut across multiple districts.
2. Festivals Add to the Holiday Spirit
While the north and west grappled with monsoon chaos, in other states the reason for closures was entirely different: festivals.
Bihar, Chhattisgarh & Sikkim
In Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Sikkim, Hartalika Teej celebrations prompted school holidays. The festival is especially significant for women, who observe fasts and rituals to pray for marital bliss and prosperity. With large-scale participation, authorities ensured schools remained closed so families could take part in the observances.
Nagpur (Maharashtra)
In Nagpur, CBSE-affiliated schools followed the lead of state board institutions by declaring 26 August as a holiday for Hartalika Teej. This was done to maintain uniformity and avoid confusion among parents and students. The holiday also allowed teachers and students to participate in the rituals without academic disruptions.
Kerala
In Kerala, schools remained closed starting from 26 August as part of the Onam break. Onam, the state’s grand harvest festival, brings together cultural performances, feasts, and rituals. The holiday period allows families to prepare for festivities like the traditional Onam Sadya (grand meal) and Pookalam (floral carpet designs).
3. Punjab: A Preemptive Move
Although the immediate closures applied to 26 August, Punjab also came into focus as its government declared in advance that all schools would remain shut between 27–30 August due to anticipated heavy rainfall and flooding. The announcement gave parents and schools enough time to prepare, showcasing proactive crisis management.
4. State-by-State Summary
| State/Region | Reason | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan | Heavy rains, floods | Schools shut across multiple districts including Jaipur, Udaipur, and Kota. |
| Jammu Division (J&K) | Torrential rains, flood alerts | All schools, both government and private, closed. |
| Himachal Pradesh | Landslides, flash floods | Infrastructure damage, unsafe travel conditions. |
| Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim | Hartalika Teej festival | Schools closed to allow families to participate. |
| Nagpur (Maharashtra) | Hartalika Teej festival | CBSE schools declared holiday for parity with state schools. |
| Kerala | Onam celebrations | Holiday break starting 26 August. |
| Punjab | Preemptive closure from 27–30 August due to expected heavy rainfall. |
5. Families and Schools: How They Managed
For families, the unexpected break meant adapting daily routines. In flood-affected areas, parents kept children indoors, monitoring news updates and avoiding unnecessary travel. In festival-centric states, the closure was more celebratory, with homes buzzing with prayers, rituals, and traditional meals.
Educators, on the other hand, had to ensure that the missed lessons didn’t disrupt the academic calendar. Many schools communicated via online platforms, assigning light homework or planning compensatory classes later in the week. In Nagpur, aligning CBSE schools with the state board helped reduce confusion and made scheduling easier for parents with children in different educational boards.
6. Lessons From the Day
Safety Above All
The widespread closures across Rajasthan, Jammu, and Himachal Pradesh highlighted the importance of placing student safety above routine. With roads submerged and landslide risks high, keeping children at home was the most responsible decision.
Cultural Calendar Still Rules
India’s education system continues to adapt around cultural and religious observances. Hartalika Teej in the east and Onam in the south proved once again how deeply festivals influence daily life, including schooling schedules.
Coordinated Efforts Pay Off
Nagpur’s move to synchronize holidays across different school boards is an example of effective coordination. It reduced parental stress and ensured fair participation for all children.
Preparedness is Key
Punjab’s proactive decision to announce closures ahead of time displayed foresight. It allowed schools, teachers, and parents to plan accordingly, rather than rushing last minute.
7. Bigger Picture: Balancing Academics, Weather, and Culture
India is a country where the school calendar is as dynamic as its climate and traditions. Every year, authorities must balance academic rigor with unpredictable weather conditions and a diverse cultural calendar. While unexpected closures can create short-term disruptions, they also underline India’s resilience and adaptability.
For students, a sudden holiday might feel like a joyful surprise. For parents and teachers, however, it’s a reminder of the delicate balance between learning, safety, and tradition.
Conclusion
The school closures on 26 August 2025 tell a larger story about India. In the north and west, nature’s unpredictability forced authorities to prioritize safety. In the east and south, cultural heritage guided the day off. Together, they highlight India’s unique duality—where education pauses, but learning continues in different ways, whether through family rituals, community bonding, or resilience in the face of monsoon challenges.
As the country moved from Teej into Ganesh Chaturthi and deeper into the monsoon season, this day served as a reminder of how schools, families, and governments must remain flexible, adaptable, and deeply connected to both the environment and tradition.
