Wed Oct 16 11:44:19 UTC 2024: ## Uttar Pradesh Schools to Remain Closed on October 17th in Observance of Valmiki Jayanti
**Lucknow, October 14th, 2024:** All primary and upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed on Wednesday, October 17th, in observance of Valmiki Jayanti. The Secretary of the Basic Education Council has issued instructions to this effect to officials in the Basic Education Department across all districts.
The order will affect over 1.54 lakh basic schools, impacting 1.90 crore students and 4.50 lakh teachers across the state. While the holiday is being observed as a restricted holiday in many districts, the state government has instructed for all schools under the Basic Education Council to remain closed.
The Yogi government plans to celebrate Valmiki Jayanti with grandeur, organizing various events including recitations of the Shri Ram Charit Manas, cultural programs, devotional songs, and religious discourses at temples across the state. A major event is also scheduled in Chitrakoot, the birthplace of Maharshi Valmiki.
As part of the celebrations, recitations of the Ramayana will be organized at all locations related to Maharshi Valmiki, including temples, accompanied by the lighting of lamps and offerings of lamps. These events will be held at the district, tehsil, and development block levels.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to ensure proper sanitation, drinking water facilities, sound systems, lighting arrangements, and security measures at all event venues.
First Piper 