Schools Closed Today: The Muharram holiday closes schools in several districts, ending the weekend for many students; See the full list of government intelligence here

Schools remain closed in several districts as the Muharram holiday brings an extra week for many students today

School Holidays Today: Schools in several states are expected to remain closed today for Muharram, which is observed as a holiday in many parts of India. As the event will be held on a Friday this year, students in schools that are also closed on Saturdays may receive an extended weekend before classes resume.Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of its holiest seasons. Religious festivals, commemorations and prayer meetings are held in many cities. State and local governments have announced or are expected to implement vacation plans related to education and several government offices.Countries where schools are expected to be closedSchools are to remain closed on Muharram in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Telangana, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura and Mizoram.The holiday period can vary from state to state and sometimes from state to state. Parents and students are advised to confirm their status through letters issued by schools, county governments or state education departments before making travel or educational plans.

Importance of MuharramThe month of Muharram is the opening month of the Islamic calendar and is of great religious importance to Muslims. This event is closely related to Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain in the battle of Karbala. In various parts of the country, mourning protests, religious gatherings and prayers are being held.Additional Saturdays for some studentsWith Muharram falling on a Friday, students studying in schools that do not hold classes on Saturdays can benefit from a three-day break. The holiday is followed by regular weekends, allowing classes to resume after the holiday period.Banks and government offices may be closedThe holiday is also expected to affect banks and government offices in several districts, in line with the regional holiday calendar. Regular services in government agencies may be suspended for a day and regular services will resume the following day. Schools may also provide separate information regarding suspended exams, classroom studies, school events or other planned events, and students should check for updates provided by their institutions.