School Holiday Alert: July 6 Closures Across Select States

Students in West Bengal and the Kashmir Valley will see school closures tomorrow, July 6, due to a state holiday and heatwave-related vacations.

NEW DELHI — As India enters the second week of July, educational authorities in several regions have announced school closures for Monday, July 6, 2026. These suspensions, prompted by a mix of state-mandated commemorative holidays and preventive measures against ongoing weather extremes, will impact a significant number of students across West Bengal and the Kashmir Valley.

The announcements are localized, and officials are urging parents and students to confirm status updates with their specific academic institutions, as policies can vary between government and private management.

West Bengal Declares Statewide Public Holiday

The West Bengal state government has officially declared July 6, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. According to a notification issued by the state’s Finance Department, the holiday applies to all government offices, state-run corporations, and educational institutions.

This closure includes government and government-aided schools, as well as many higher education institutions. Furthermore, reports indicate that numerous private English-medium schools across the state, including several in Kolkata, have elected to align with the government’s directive to observe the day in honour of the late educationist and statesman.

Kashmir Valley Initiates Two-Week Summer Break

Separately, in the Kashmir Valley, the Directorate of School Education has announced the commencement of a two-week summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools up to the higher secondary level. This decision, effective from July 6 through July 19, 2026, serves as a proactive measure against a prevailing heatwave.

Local weather reports have highlighted unusually high daytime temperatures in the region, leading authorities to prioritize student health and safety by clearing campuses during the peak of the current heat spell.

Why It Matters

These school holiday announcements underscore the dual pressures of regional commemorative requirements and climate-related safety protocols. For families, the closures necessitate a shift in scheduling for the start of the week. For academic administrators, the focus remains on balancing statutory requirements with the welfare of students navigating varied weather conditions.

Key Facts at a Glance

• West Bengal: Statewide public holiday on July 6 for the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee; schools and government offices to remain closed.

• Kashmir Valley: Two-week summer vacation begins July 6 and concludes July 19, 2026, due to extreme heatwave conditions.

• Institutional Scope: Closures primarily affect government and government-aided schools, with many private institutions opting to follow suit.

FAQ

Are schools closed across all of India on July 6?

No, these are localized school holiday notifications for specific regions. There is no nationwide school closure on July 6.

Which schools in West Bengal are affected?

The government notification covers state-run and government-aided schools. Many private schools have also independently announced a holiday to observe the anniversary.

When will schools in the Kashmir Valley reopen?

Following the two-week summer break, schools in the Kashmir Valley are currently scheduled to resume operations on July 20, 2026, subject to further official updates.

Source: West Bengal Finance Department, Directorate of School Education (J&K), Times of India, India Today