Schools Closed in Parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for Lakkhi Kartik Purnima Fair in Schools Closed for Lakkhi Kartik Purnima Fair
Several districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar observed a state holiday today as thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate the Lakkhi Kartik Purnima fair in Bulandshahr district. The administration announced the closure of schools, colleges, and select government offices in and around the fair area to manage the crowd and ensure safety.
The Lakkhi Kartik Purnima fair, one of the most celebrated religious events in western Uttar Pradesh, marks the full moon day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar. The festival holds special significance for devotees who take holy dips in rivers and perform religious rituals early in the morning.
Significance of Kartik Purnima
Kartik Purnima is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu lunar calendar. The day is associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and devotees believe that bathing in sacred rivers on this day brings spiritual merit and purification.
According to Hindu mythology, Kartik Purnima also commemorates the birth of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Many people observe fasts and perform charity, while others visit temples and light earthen lamps in the evening, symbolizing prosperity and divine blessings.
The Lakkhi Kartik Purnima fair, in particular, has been celebrated for decades in Bulandshahr, drawing pilgrims not only from Uttar Pradesh but also from neighboring states like Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi.
School Holiday Declaration
In view of the heavy footfall expected during the fair, the district magistrates of Bulandshahr and nearby areas ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including government and private schools.
The official notification stated that all schools up to Class 12 would remain closed on the day of the fair to avoid traffic congestion and ensure student safety. Several adjoining districts, including Aligarh, Hapur, and Ghaziabad, also implemented partial closures in specific zones.
In Bihar, a few border regions, especially those connected by pilgrimage routes, also observed holidays due to the movement of devotees attending the fair.
Lakkhi Fair: A Blend of Faith and Tradition
The Lakkhi fair is among the oldest religious gatherings in Uttar Pradesh, organized on the banks of the Ganga and Kali rivers in Bulandshahr. It begins on the eve of Kartik Purnima and continues for several days.
Devotees start arriving in large numbers from early morning to take the holy dip (Snan) in the river before sunrise, which is considered spiritually purifying. After the ritual bath, they offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking peace and prosperity for their families.
Alongside religious activities, the fair hosts a vibrant bazaar with stalls, folk performances, and food corners, reflecting the cultural richness of rural Uttar Pradesh. Artisans from across the state display traditional crafts, while farmers and traders participate in local cattle and goods markets.
Security and Traffic Arrangements
Given the huge turnout, the Bulandshahr district administration has deployed extra police personnel to manage crowd control and maintain law and order. Traffic diversions have been set up around the fairground to facilitate smooth vehicular movement.
District Magistrate Ankit Agrawal and Senior Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar reviewed the arrangements at the fair site on Tuesday evening.
“The administration has made comprehensive arrangements for crowd management, emergency response, and public facilities. Temporary health camps, help desks, and lost-and-found counters have been set up to assist pilgrims,” said a senior district officer.
Police officials confirmed that over 1,500 security personnel have been stationed at the venue, and CCTV cameras have been installed for surveillance.
Holy Dip and Rituals
The fair began before dawn today, as thousands of devotees performed the holy Kartik Snan in the Ganga and nearby ponds. Many families were seen lighting lamps and offering prayers near the riverbanks.
Priests conducted Lakshmi Narayan pujas, while women observed traditional Deep Daan rituals, floating small lamps in the water as a symbol of hope and gratitude.
Local residents said that the sight of thousands of diyas lighting up the river in the evening was breathtaking. “It’s a festival of faith and beauty,” said Ramesh Pandey, a local devotee. “People wait all year for this sacred day.”
Impact on Daily Life
While the fair brought festive cheer, it also caused temporary disruptions in nearby areas. With schools and several government offices closed, public transport witnessed heavy demand, and traffic near Bulandshahr remained congested throughout the day.
Local markets reported increased sales of religious items, lamps, flowers, sweets, and traditional clothing, as devotees prepared for the celebrations. Hoteliers and food vendors also benefited from the influx of visitors.
In some rural schools of Bihar, teachers and students participated in local Kartik Purnima rituals organized in village temples and ghats.
Evening Festivities and Cultural Performances
The evening segment of the fair is the main attraction. Cultural troupes performed folk songs, devotional dances, and bhajans, celebrating the spirit of the festival.
Local artisans showcased handicrafts, handlooms, and pottery. Several stalls offered traditional sweets like jalebi, malpua, and kheer, which are customary during Kartik Purnima.
Authorities said that the fair will continue for the next two days, with additional programs planned for visitors and pilgrims.
Spiritual Message and Cultural Unity
The Lakkhi Kartik Purnima fair is not just a religious event but also a symbol of cultural unity and community bonding. People from different backgrounds and regions participate with equal enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere of harmony and devotion.
The fair continues to remind citizens of India’s living traditions — where faith, culture, and community spirit come together to celebrate the divine and the human alike.
Conclusion
As the Lakkhi Kartik Purnima fair illuminated the ghats of Bulandshahr today, devotees across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experienced a day of deep spiritual connection.
While schools and offices remained closed, the atmosphere in the towns and villages was filled with devotion, music, and cultural vibrancy. The fair once again showcased how traditional festivals continue to shape India’s spiritual and social landscape.
