In observance of the auspicious festivals of
Ram Navami
and
Durga Ashtami
, schools in several Indian states will be closed on April 16th and 17th, 2024. This decision allows students, teachers, and staff to participate in the religious and cultural festivities with their families.
Ram Navami, a revered festival embraced with profound reverence throughout the nation, commemorates the auspicious birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology.
This sacred occasion holds immense significance for millions of devotees who partake in various rituals and festivities to honor the divine presence of Lord Rama.
Moreover, Ram Navami serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless teachings and exemplary life of Lord Rama, whose noble conduct, unwavering righteousness, and boundless compassion continue to inspire humanity across generations. It is a time for introspection, where devotees reflect upon the profound lessons imparted by Lord Rama’s epic journey, drawing inspiration to navigate life’s challenges with courage, integrity, and humility.
Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of the auspicious Navratri festival, is revered by devotees of Goddess Durga with profound significance and devotion. This sacred day symbolizes the culmination of the nine-day period dedicated to honoring the divine feminine energy in its various manifestations.
During Navratri, devotees engage in fervent worship and adoration of Goddess Durga in her myriad forms, seeking her blessings for strength, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment. Each day of Navratri is associated with the worship of a specific form of the Goddess, representing her divine attributes and virtues.
Here’s a state-wise breakdown of the school closures:
Uttar Pradesh: In accordance with the decision by the Uttar Pradesh government, all schools in the state will be closed on Ram Navami, which falls on April 17, 2024 (Wednesday). This decision is made to honor the religious significance of the festival and to allow students and teachers to participate in the celebrations and observe the day with devotion and reverence.
Bihar: In response to concerns raised by teachers regarding a residential training program conflicting with the holiday, the Bihar government announced a special school closure for Ram Navami. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to respecting
religious observances
and ensuring that teachers and students have the opportunity to partake in the festivities and spiritual reflections associated with this auspicious occasion.
Delhi: Following the academic calendar released by the Delhi Directorate of Education (DOE), all government and government-aided schools will remain closed on Ram Navami, which falls on April 17, 2024. This decision aligns with the DOE’s commitment to honoring religious observances and ensuring that both teachers and students have the opportunity to celebrate this significant festival with reverence and joy.
Haryana: While schools in Haryana won’t be entirely closed, they will open with a two-hour delay on April 16th to allow families to participate in Durga Ashtami observances. An official spokesperson stated that schools in Haryana will open at 10 am and operate until 2:30 pm. The revised schedule applies to both students and teachers. The spokesperson added that the Directorate of School Education has issued a letter to all district education officers and district elementary education officers in the state regarding this change.