Extended Winter Holidays Announced Across Northern India Due to Severe Cold Wave

School Holiday Update

Due to a severe cold wave and heavy fog affecting visibility in northern and eastern regions of India, students can anticipate an extension of their winter break. Many states have already declared winter holidays lasting until January 15th.

Impact of Cold Weather on Schools

As winter holidays commence, the northern states face extreme cold and dense fog, which disrupt daily activities and school operations. States like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi have announced school closures today, extending winter holidays until January 15, 2026. For further details on school holidays in states such as Punjab, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana, continue reading.

Winter Holidays Extended in Multiple States

In response to the cold wave, several northern and eastern states have enacted strict measures and extended winter holidays. The Delhi government has confirmed that winter holidays will last until January 15, 2026. Other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Jharkhand, have also adjusted school schedules or extended holidays due to the ongoing weather conditions.

Schools in Delhi Closed Until January 15

All public, private, and government-aided schools in Delhi will remain closed until January 15, 2026. This extension is part of the official academic calendar and has been officially communicated by the Directorate of Education (DoE) and the Government of NCT Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh School Closures

In Uttar Pradesh, schools for students up to 8th grade are expected to remain closed from January 7th to 9th. This information was shared by District Basic Education Officer Anurag Srivastava for schools in Varanasi. The closure applies to all government, CBSE, ICSE, and State Board schools from pre-primary to class 8th across the city.

While students in these grades will have holidays until January 9th, teachers and school staff are required to report for departmental duties. Schools in Lucknow and Kanpur will also be closed for students up to class 8th, although schools in Lucknow may reopen tomorrow. It is advisable to stay updated on announcements from schools and government authorities.

School Holiday Status in Punjab

The Punjab government has announced that all schools will remain closed until January 13, 2026. Initially, schools were set to reopen today after being closed until January 7 due to the cold wave, but the state government has decided to extend the holiday due to the ongoing severe weather conditions.