The Uttar Pradesh government has announced that schools will remain open on Christmas this year, with December 25 being dedicated instead to celebrating the birth centenary of former Prime Minister and BJP co-founder Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The state’s Department of Basic Education issued an order directing schools to organise special programmes honouring Vajpayee, making attendance mandatory for all students. The decision reportedly followed a memorandum from Bajrang Dal members in Saharanpur, who urged that the day be marked as “Bal Gaurav and Good Governance” instead of celebrating Christmas.
The memorandum, led by former Bajrang Dal leaders Vikas Tyagi and Kapil Mohada, called on schools to teach students “Indian values” through activities such as essay competitions and poetry recitations based on Vajpayee’s speeches. They argued that the anniversaries of Vajpayee and educationist Madan Mohan Malaviya should be observed on December 25 instead of Christmas. Despite the official holiday calendar naming December 25 as “Christmas Day,” the new order effectively cancels the Christian festival in schools.
Reacting to the move, Dr. John Dayal, Secretary General of the All India Christian Council, described it as a “deliberate targeting of the most sacred day in the Christian calendar.” He said, “The Uttar Pradesh government, run by a deeply religious person, is keeping all schools in the state open on Christmas. This is part of a sustained campaign of marginalisation that has intensified under the present regime.” Dayal also criticised the lack of response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and warned that the campaign of hate has made Christians vulnerable even in their own neighborhoods.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India condemned the growing attacks on Christians during the festive season, stating that such actions “gravely undermine” India’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and the right to live and worship without fear. They urged the state and Union governments to act against individuals and organisations spreading hatred and violence.
Incidents targeting Christians have been reported across India in the days leading up to Christmas. In Jodhpur, right-wing groups removed Christmas decorations from a school while playing the song “Bharat ka bacha bacha Jai Shri Ram Bolega.” In Rajasthan, authorities warned private schools not to compel students to dress as Santa Claus. Similar instances of harassment and restrictions on Christmas celebrations have been reported in multiple states, highlighting the precarious situation of religious minorities.
Meanwhile, severe cold, dense fog, and cold wave conditions have led to temporary school closures and timing changes across several districts of Uttar Pradesh. For example, schools in Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Sambhal were closed for two days, while Jhansi adjusted school hours to protect students from the morning cold. Despite these temporary closures, the government has clearly stated that December 25 will remain a working day for schools, with special programmes commemorating Vajpayee. Parents and students have been advised to stay updated with local district announcements as winter conditions continue.
