In view of extreme cold and dense fog conditions across the state, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday announced an extension of winter holidays for schools in Punjab. The closures, initially set to end on January 7, will now continue until January 13 to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

“In accordance with the directives of the Honorable Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann Ji, and taking into account the continuously increasing cold and fog in the state, holidays are being declared in all government, aided, recognized, and private schools of the state until January 13,” Bains wrote in a post on social media platform X.

This marks the second extension of winter vacations for schools in Punjab this season. Earlier, on December 31, Bains had announced that school holidays would continue until January 7.

Weather conditions prompting the closure

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast dense to very dense fog at several locations in Punjab, along with cold wave and “cold day” conditions at isolated places. The forecast predicts that fog conditions will persist from Friday through January 12 at isolated locations, reinforcing the decision to extend the school holidays.

Officials have emphasised that the extension aims to protect children from the health risks associated with severe cold and limited visibility on roads due to fog, ensuring that travel and daily school routines remain safe.

Winter holidays amid National School Games

Amid the extended break, Harjot Bains inaugurated the 69th National School Games at the Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana on Tuesday. The event has attracted over 1,000 athletes from across India, including teams from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Vidya Bharati schools.

Competitions in disciplines such as Judo (Under-14 boys and girls), Taekwondo (Under-14 girls), and Gatka (Under-19 boys and girls) are being held across multiple venues in Ludhiana, including BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Government Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana, and the PAU Open Air Theatre. Over 350 coaches have also arrived to oversee the tournaments.

While schools remain closed for regular academic activities, the state’s commitment to hosting the Games reflects an effort to balance sporting engagement with safety considerations for students.

Key takeaway

Students across Punjab will not attend classes until January 13. All government, aided, recognized, and private schools are instructed to remain shut during this period. Authorities have advised parents to take precautions and ensure children are adequately protected from the cold weather and foggy conditions.