Holiday for all schools from classes 1 to 8: severe cold and cold wave in Jaunpur.
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Holiday for all schools from classes 1 to 8
Due to the severe cold and cold wave in Jaunpur, District Magistrate Dr. Dinesh Chandra Singh has ordered the closure of all schools from classes one to eight for two days. This order will be applicable to all government, semi-government, recognised, and unrecognised schools.
The intense cold and dense fog prevailing in the district for the past two days have affected daily life. Children were facing difficulties in going to school. Earlier, the district administration had changed the school timings, making them from 10 am to 2 pm.
Considering the possibility of extreme cold, fog, and cold wave in the next two days, the District Magistrate has issued orders to keep the schools completely closed on Friday and Saturday. This order will be effective for all primary and junior high schools.
District Basic Education Officer Dr. Gorakhnath Patel said that students will not come to school during these two days. However, teachers will be present in the schools on Saturday to complete the voter revision work.
Varanasi attracting over 26 crore tourists: Kashi Vishwanath Temple CEO Vishwabhushan Mishra said that December 13th marks four years since the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. In these four years, more than 26.23 crore devotees have visited the temple. This includes Bollywood stars, industrialists, politicians, and many VVIPs.
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Varanasi attracting over 26 crore tourists in 4 years
Varanasi: Baba Vishwanath, the lord of the Nathas, is considered the presiding deity of Kashi. It has been four years since the grand and newly renovated Kashi Vishwanath Dham was built. In these four years, the beauty of Kashi Vishwanath Dham has been nothing short of a wonder for devotees across the country. Millions of devotees have visited here in these four years, giving a tremendous boost to Varanasi’s tourism industry. Statistics show that due to Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Varanasi has received an economic boost of approximately 26,000 crore rupees in these four years.
According to Kashi Vishwanath Temple CEO Vishwabhushan Mishra, December 13th(Varanasi attracting over 26 crore tourists) will mark four years since the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham. In these four years, more than 26.23 crore devotees have come here for darshan (worship). Keeping in mind the convenience of the devotees, different arrangements are also made in the Dham according to the weather.
Economic boost of 26,000 crore rupees from tourism
According to an estimate, more than 26 crore people visited Varanasi in four years. If each devotee spends an average of at least 1000 rupees on hotels, sarees, boats, prasad (offerings), and other services, then on this basis, the economy of Kashi has received a benefit of approximately 26,000 crore rupees. This benefit has reached businesses related to tourism and local people directly and indirectly.
From Bollywood stars to industrialists, many have paid their respects
In the last four years, Bollywood stars, industrialists, politicians, and many VVIPs have visited Kashi Vishwanath Dham to offer prayers and pay their respects. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visits here almost twice every month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also paid his respects at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham several times.
Total number of devotees at the Dham (year-wise)
Year
Total Arrivals
2021 (December 13-31)
4,842,716
2022 (January-December)
71,147,210
2023 (January-December)
57,310,104
2024 (January-December)
62,390,302
2025 (January-December 2)
66,666,511
(Note: This figure will reach approximately 265 million by December 13 and Varanasi attracting over 26 crore tourists.)
UP Government Holidays 2026: Of the 24 public holidays in 2026, three fall on Mondays, four on Tuesdays, four on Wednesdays, two on Thursdays, six on Fridays, three on Saturdays, and two on Sundays. March will have the most holidays, with five public holidays and five Sundays(UP Government Holidays 2026)
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UP Government Holidays 2026
Lucknow: There’s good news for all government employees in Uttar Pradesh, including those in the Secretariat, who follow a five-day work week (Saturday and Sunday off) in the new year 2026. They will get nine long three-day weekends in 2026. These employees can plan trips with family or friends.
Of the 24 public holidays declared by the government, six fall on Fridays and three on Mondays, automatically providing this benefit. Employees working in offices with a six-day work week will also get two consecutive days off six times during the year. According to the released list, of the 24 public holidays in 2026, three fall on Mondays, four on Tuesdays, four on Wednesdays, two on Thursdays, six on Fridays, three on Saturdays, and two on Sundays. March will have the most holidays, with five public holidays and five Sundays.
First public holiday on January 3rd
According to the list of public holidays declared from January to December, the first public holiday will be on January 3rd, Saturday, for the birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali. January 26th, Monday, will be Republic Day, February 15th, Sunday, will be Maha Shivratri, March 2nd, Monday, will be Holika Dahan, March 4th, Wednesday, will be Holi, March 21st, Saturday, will be Eid-ul-Fitr, March 26th, Thursday, will be Ram Navami, and March 31st, Tuesday, will be Mahavir Jayanti.
Public holidays in 2026 will include: Good Friday on Friday, April 3rd; Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s birthday on Tuesday, April 14th; Buddha Purnima on Friday, May 1st; Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27th; Muharram on Thursday, June 26th; Independence Day on Saturday, August 15th; Eid-e-Milad on Wednesday, August 26th; Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 28th; Janmashtami on Friday, September 4th; Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, October 2nd; Dussehra/Vijayadashami on Tuesday, October 20th; Diwali on Sunday, November 8th; Govardhan Puja on Monday, November 9th; Bhai Dooj/Chitragupta Jayanti on Wednesday, November 11th; Guru Nanak Jayanti on Tuesday, November 24th; and Christmas Day on Friday, December 25th.
31 Restricted Holidays in 2026(UP Government Holidays 2026)
The government has also declared 31 restricted holidays for the year 2026. The restricted holidays are as follows: January 1st, Thursday – New Year’s Day, January 14th, Wednesday – Makar Sankranti, January 23rd, Friday – Basant Panchami, January 24th, Saturday – Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur’s Birthday, February 1st, Sunday – Sant Ravidas Jayanti, February 4th, Wednesday – Shab-e-Barat, March 5th, Thursday – Holi, March 13th, Friday – Jamaat-ul-Vida (Farewell)/Last Friday of Ramadan, March 19th, Thursday – Cheti Chand, March 22nd, Sunday – Eid-ul-Fitr, April 4th, Saturday – Easter Saturday.
April 5th, Sunday – Maharishi Kashyap and Maharaja Nishad Raj Guhya Jayanti, April 6th, Monday – Easter Monday, April 17th, Friday – Chandrashekhar Jayanti, April 19th, Sunday – Parshuram Jayanti, May 9th, Saturday – Lok Nayak Maharana Pratap Jayanti, May 28th, Thursday – Bakrid, June 25th, Thursday – Muharram, August 4th, Tuesday – Chehlum, September 17th, Thursday – Vishwakarma Puja, September 28th, Friday – Anant Chaturdashi, October 11th, Sunday – Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti.
October 19th, Monday – Maha Ashtami, October 26th, Monday – Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, October 31st, Saturday – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Acharya Narendra Dev Jayanti, November 8th, Sunday – Narak Chaturdashi, November 19th, Sunday – Chhath Puja, November 16th, Monday – Veerangana Uda Devi Martyrdom Day, December 16th, Wednesday – Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri Garib Nawaz, December 23rd, Wednesday – Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Birthday, and December 24th, Thursday – Christmas Eve.
One restricted holiday for 2026 has been reduced
The annual closing of commercial banks is on April 1st, Wednesday. Under executive orders, a holiday was declared for Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti on January 5th, Monday, 2026. Principal Secretary General Administration, Manish Chauhan, has stated that the date of this holiday has been changed. This holiday has been shifted to December 27th in 2025.
Uttar Pradesh 2026 government holidays: The Uttar Pradesh government has released a holiday calendar for 2026, which includes 24 public and 31 optional holidays. Nine three-day long weekends will be available, which has generated enthusiasm among employees. The tourism industry is also expected to see a boost.
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Uttar Pradesh 2026 government holidays
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has released the official calendar of government holidays for the year 2026. According to the new calendar, next year there will be a total of 24 public holidays (gazetted holidays), while employees will also receive 31 optional/restricted holidays. Notably, six of these 24 public holidays fall on Fridays and three on Mondays. This will greatly benefit employees of government offices with a five-day work week (Monday to Friday).
According to the calendar, there will be nine occasions in 2026 when employees will have three consecutive days off (including Saturday and Sunday) due to public holidays, meaning nine long weekends! These include major holidays like Republic Day, Holi, Independence Day, Dussehra, and Diwali, which fall on Friday or Monday. Employees are quite excited about this calendar. Many departments have already begun planning for the long holidays in 2026. The tourism and travel industry also hopes that the long weekends will boost domestic tourism. However, this calendar is currently only applicable to government offices, banks, and public sector undertakings. Private companies can make changes to it according to their own policies.
List of Public Holidays in 2026(www.HolidayAlerts.in)
Date
Day
Occasion
3 January
Sat
Hazrat Ali’s Birthday
26 January
Mon
Republic Day
15 February
Sun
Mahashivratri
2 March
Mon
Holika Dahan
4 March
Wed
Holi
21 March
Sat
Eid ul Fitr
26 March
Thu
Ram Navami
31 March
Tue
Mahavir Jayanti
3 April
Fri
Good Friday
14 April
Tue
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti
1 May
Fri
Buddha Purnima
27 May
Wed
Bakrid
26 June
Fri
Muharram
15 August
Sat
Independence Day
18 August
Tue
Raksha Bandhan
26 August
Wed
Bara-Wafat
4 September
Fri
Janmashtami
2 October
Fri
Gandhi Jayanti
20 October
Tue
Dussehra
8 November
Sun
Diwali
9 November
Mon
Govardhan Puja
11 November
Wed
Bhai Dooj
24 November
Tue
Guru Nanak Jayanti/Kartik Purnima
25 December
Wed
Christmas Day
Uttar Pradesh 2026 government holidays: Download pdf
A notification issued by the Chief Secretary’s Office has directed all departments to schedule holidays according to this calendar. Additionally, departments involved in emergency services have been asked to prepare a separate roster of holidays. So if you’re a government employee in Uttar Pradesh, get your 2026 travel planner out now – the New Year is about to bring a holiday! List of Public Holidays in 2026
UP 2026 holiday calendar released: The 2026 holiday calendar has been released in Uttar Pradesh. This year, 24 days will be public holidays, while 31 days will be restricted holidays.
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UP 2026 holiday calendar released
The state government has released the holiday calendar for the new year 2026. However, there are no changes compared to the current year 2025. This year, 24 days will be public holidays, while 31 days will be restricted holidays. Commercial banks will close their accounts on April 1st.
The calendar, released by Manish Chauhan, Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department, also informs that Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, declared on January 5th, has been deleted from the list of holidays under executive orders. As per the date, it will now be on December 27, 2025. This holiday falls under the category of restricted holidays.
Government employees will benefit significantly from the New Year’s holiday calendar. January 3rd is a holiday for Hazrat Ali’s birthday, while the 4th is a Sunday. Similarly, two consecutive days of leave will be available on January 25th, Sunday, and January 26th, Monday. Holika Dahan is on Monday, March 2nd, and Holi is on Wednesday, March 4th, while March 1st is Sunday. Therefore, employees can take Tuesday off and travel for four days.
Similarly, Diwali is on Sunday, November 8th, Govardhan Puja is on Monday, November 9th, and Bhaiya Dooj and Chitragupta Jayanti are holidays on November 11th. Employees can travel for four days by taking leave on Tuesday, November 10th.
Paliyakalan: In the current tourist season, 5,832 tourists have visited Dudhwa National Park, which opened on November 1st, 8k tourists visited Dudhwa Park.
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8k tourists visited Dudhwa Park
Paliyakalan: In the current tourist season, 5,832 tourists have visited Dudhwa National Park, which opened on November 1st. This has generated revenue of ₹3.696 million (US$1.6 million) as of December 1st. However, this figure does not include the Kishanpur Range.
Tourists begin arriving in Dudhwa as soon as the tourist season begins each year. Among the domestic tourists who visited Dudhwa from November 1st to 30th, including jungle safaris, overnight stays at the tourist complex, 132 foreign nationals also arrived. This number included 63 men, 65 women, and four children.
Dudhwa National Park Deputy Director Jagdish R stated that a good number of tourists have been seen in Dudhwa in a month. The park administration is prepared for the arrival of tourists in Dudhwa during the upcoming New Year and other holidays.
Ankur Jaiswal, owner of the Landmark Hotel in Palia, and Balakram, owner of the Palm Resort in Palia, said that the wedding season is in full swing, along with tourism. Keeping the tourists visiting Dudhwa in mind, attention is being paid to providing them with jungle safaris.
Pilibhit: The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, famous for its tigers, is gaining popularity both domestically and internationally. This is why the influx of foreign tourists during the last tourist season shattered all previous records. In the first 30 days of the tourist season, 70 foreign tourists from various countries took a jungle safari and witnessed tigers and other wildlife.
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Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit: Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is rapidly gaining popularity not only domestically but also abroad due to its biodiversity and increasing tiger sightings. In just 30 days since the start of the current tourist season, 70 foreign tourists visited and enjoyed the jungle safari. The Forest Department hopes that this year’s influx of foreign tourists will set new records.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is witnessing a surge in foreign tourist arrivals
The natural beauty of the Terai region and its rich wildlife have earned Pilibhit Tiger Reserve special recognition both nationally and internationally. The new tourist season, which began on November 1, 2025, has achieved record-breaking growth since its inception. In the first month of the season, 70 foreign tourists embarked on a jungle safari, witnessing tigers, deer, birds, and many other rare wildlife species up close.
Chuka Beach is becoming a major tourist attraction
Situated in the lap of the jungle, Chuka Beach remains a major tourist attraction, as it has been every year. Lush green valleys, calm waters, and natural beauty are making this spot a popular choice for foreign tourists. Tourist satisfaction is further enhanced by the availability of local guides and improved tourist amenities.
All records were broken in the last season
Data from the last tourist season indicates that Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is rapidly gaining recognition internationally. Last year, 452 foreign tourists visited, more than double the previous 189. The steadily increasing tiger sightings and safe tourist environment are making Pilibhit’s reputation shine even abroad.
This year, over 4,000 Indian tourists also arrived
Along with foreign tourists, the number of tourists from across the country is also rapidly increasing. In November alone, over 4,000 Indian tourists visited the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and experienced the thrill and natural beauty of a jungle safari.
Forest Department’s Preparations and Security Arrangements
According to Manish Singh, Deputy Director of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, foreign tourists are excited by the frequent tiger sightings. Strict arrangements have been made for the safety of wildlife and tourists. Surveillance systems, patrol teams, and safe routes are being continuously monitored.
Opening of a Jungle Trail in Noida: The Jungle Trail Park in Noida has been developed on an 18.3-acre site, stretching from the Mahamaya Flyover to the Dalit Preranasthal. Noida Authority officials say that the Jungle Trail Park is set to become a major attraction for everyone in Noida.
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Opening of a Jungle Trail in Noida
Noida News: Noida residents are set to receive a significant gift on Monday, December 1, 2025. A special Jungle Trail park, established by the Noida Authority for tourism purposes, will be open to the general public from December 1. With the opening of this special park, not only residents of Noida and Greater Noida, but also residents of Delhi-NCR will be able to enjoy visiting this special park.
Noida Authority develops Jungle Trail on a large area of land
The Noida Authority’s Horticulture Department has established a park called Jungle Trail on a large area of land in Noida. The Jungle Trail Park in Noida has been developed along the lines of the Waste to Wonder Park in Delhi. Lions, tigers, giraffes, and kangaroos have been created from 500 tons of scrap in Noida’s Jungle Trail Park. The Jungle Trail Park has been developed on an 18.3-acre site, stretching from the Mahamaya Flyover to the Dalit Preranasthal. Noida Authority officials say that the Jungle Trail Park is poised to become a popular attraction in Noida.
There’s a lot to love about Noida’s Jungle Trail Park.
A Noida Authority spokesperson stated that the Jungle Trail Park in Noida was established at a cost of ₹15 crore. Hundreds of sculptures, including animals, birds, and dinosaurs, have been created from 500 tons of iron and plastic scrap. Developed as a tourist destination in Noida, the park will be operated under a public-private partnership model, with an entry fee.
The park has already undergone a pilot test. A children’s playground, picnic area, and food court have also been developed here. The wildlife statues made from scrap include African lions, elephants, giraffes, Asian tigers, deer, colorful birds, Australian kangaroos and emus, polar penguins, spotted bears, etc. People will also get a chance to experience night safaris in the evening and night lights at this Noida park. Along with this, typical jungle activities like rock climbing, ziplining, zip cycling and other adventure sports have been included.
Lucknow: Water sports and eco-tourism in UP, new initiative by UP government. For all types of holiday details you can visit HolidayAlerts.in
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Water sports and eco-tourism in UP
Lucknow: A new initiative has been launched to promote eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh. Under this initiative, the UP Eco-Tourism Board and the Irrigation Department are collaborating to develop adventure and water sports-based tourism facilities at the state’s major dams and reservoirs. This plan will boost the tourism economy and create new local employment opportunities as government will start water sports and eco-tourism in UP.
Under the plan, Garhmau Lake in Jhansi, Nawab Tank in Banda, Arjun Dam in Mahoba, Dhandhraul Dam in Sonbhadra, Maudaha Dam in Hamirpur, Gunta Dam in Chitrakoot, and Majhauli Sagar in Siddharthnagar will be developed as eco-tourism hubs.
Amenities such as entrance gates, cottages, ticket counters, canteens, children’s play areas, interpretation centers, landscaping, solar lighting, and selfie points will be developed at these locations. Activities such as boating, fishing, water sports, and aqua-pressure walkways will attract tourists.
The Tourism Department stated that these projects will provide new experiences for tourists in areas already rich in religious, natural, and historical tourism, and will further strengthen the tourism ecosystem. The projects will be implemented after approval from the Irrigation Department.
Kashi Tamil Sangam 2025: BHU Assistant Professor Jagdishan said that Varanasi’s changing facilities are contributing the most to this.
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Kashi Tamil Sangam 2025
Varanasi: The government is striving to bring the North and South together through the Kashi Tamil Sangam, and the impact is being felt on Kashi’s tourism landscape. Indeed, based on data from the past four years, Varanasi has seen a 50 to 60 percent increase in South Indian tourist arrivals since the Sangam.
Currently, a large number of South Indians are visiting Kashi and undertaking various religious pilgrimages. This is also due to PM Modi’s vision of a changing Kashi, which South Indians are greatly appreciating. They are delighted with the changing Kashi and its facilities.
Increased tourism: Santosh Singh, a member of the tourism organization, says that if we look at the graph of South Indian travelers, it has increased rapidly after the construction of the Vishwanath Corridor and the launch of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Previously, 30,000 to 40,000 tourists visited Kashi, but now one to one and a half lakh South Indian tourists are arriving every month.
He says that the decline in foreign tourists had set back tourism in Varanasi, but domestic tourism, especially South Indian tourists, has kept this graph afloat. Whether it’s Kumbh or normal tourism in Varanasi, the tourism industry is booming today due to South Indian travelers. Businesses associated with tourism have also seen an increase.
He explains that domestic tourism has given a new dimension to tourism in Varanasi. This is why we are also tailoring packages to suit the convenience of South Indian travelers. Previously, they would simply visit the temple and leave, but now they prefer luxury packages. People are staying in major hotels in Varanasi and enjoying their travels. They are also traveling to nearby destinations, primarily due to the increasing facilities and amenities in Varanasi.
Kashi Tamil Sangam 2025: The changing image of Kashi is gaining popularity: Jagdishan, Assistant Professor at Banaras Hindu University, says that the Kashi Tamil Sangamam has exchanged numerous tourist destinations and cultures from the South and North, showcasing not only religious but also diverse dimensions. Varanasi is currently a major hub for South Indian cinema. Stars from the South are coming to Varanasi to promote their films. The changing facilities in Varanasi have contributed significantly to this.
He explained that after the construction of the Vishwanath Corridor through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, South Indian tourists who visit Varanasi often talk about the facilities, arrangements, and new developments taking place in South India, which the people there are liking. Previously, connectivity was a problem here, and the infrastructure wasn’t very developed, which led to a low tourist population. However, the current pace of development has given South Indian tourists a new perspective on Varanasi, resulting in a steady increase.
It’s worth noting that domestic tourism in Varanasi has grown rapidly since the construction of the Vishwanath Corridor, with South Indian tourists contributing significantly. Four years ago, the government launched the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which strengthened the connection between the South and the North, leading to a significant increase in the number of tourists visiting Kashi from the South. Previously, South Indian tourists had been visiting Kashi, but they were typically religious visitors for a day. However, now this number has increased, and they are coming to Varanasi not only for religious purposes but also for sightseeing and leisure. The changing image of Kashi is a major contributor.
