Public Holiday: Schools to Remain Closed Until January 15, 2026 Due to Severe Winter Conditions

As winter grips large parts of India, authorities have announced extended school closures across several states to ensure the safety and health of young children. From Bihar’s Jamui district to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Kerala, local administrations are responding to a combination of intense cold, dense fog, and rising health concerns. The staggered announcements have prompted confusion among parents and urgent coordination within education departments.

The government emphasized that these closures are precautionary. “These decisions are not about holidays; they are about preventing avoidable harm,” a senior bureaucrat noted. The closures affect millions of families who must adjust daily routines, childcare arrangements, and academic schedules. Pediatricians warn that prolonged exposure to cold and fog can weaken immunity and increase the risk of respiratory infections in children.

In Jamui, Bihar, schools up to Class 5, along with pre-schools, Anganwadi centres, and coaching institutes, will remain closed until December 31, 2025. Officials cited sharply dropping temperatures and poor visibility as reasons for the temporary shutdown. Other districts in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have taken similar measures with varying timelines, reflecting local weather conditions.

Delhi-NCR schools are adopting online or hybrid models amid worsening air pollution, while Punjab has announced winter vacations until January 10, 2026, and Kerala until January 4, 2026. Education experts highlighted potential learning disruptions, especially for early-grade students, but agreed safety must take priority. Some schools are sharing worksheets and recorded lessons to minimize academic impact.

Meteorologists warn that January could bring even colder nights and denser fog, which may lead to further extensions of school closures. Authorities urge parents to rely on official notifications rather than social media for updates and remain vigilant as winter conditions continue.