Schools Reopen in Kashmir After Three-Month Winter Break, Students and Teachers Excited
SRINAGAR, Mar 7: After a long winter hiatus of nearly three months, schools across Kashmir reopened on Friday, marking the resumption of academic activities in the region. The reopening had been initially scheduled for March 1, but the government extended the break by a week due to inclement weather conditions.
According to officials, around 10,000 government and private schools welcomed students back to classrooms across the Kashmir Valley, bringing an end to the extended winter vacations that had begun in December last year. The Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo, extended her best wishes to students and teachers, expressing hope for a productive and successful academic year.
“As Winter Zone students join their schools after winter break, I wish them success for the session and future. I appreciate the support from all stakeholders, especially the teaching fraternity, to make it a memorable, successful year. Best wishes to all!” Itoo wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Many schools were decorated and organized small celebrations to mark the occasion, creating a cheerful atmosphere for returning students. After spending months indoors due to the harsh winter, students expressed their joy at reuniting with their classmates and teachers.
Another student, Sheen, acknowledged the importance of vacations but admitted that school has its own charm. “Staying at home was fun, but school life is different. I missed it.”
Teachers also shared their enthusiasm about returning to work and resuming lessons. Nisar Ahmad, a teacher at a government higher secondary school, highlighted the significance of the break while expressing optimism about the new session.
“Winter vacations give students ample time to study independently, and we hope they have used it productively. Now, we are looking forward to an engaging and fruitful academic year.”
While most schools resumed operations, authorities in Gurez valley, Bandipora district, have extended the winter vacation until March 8 due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions in the region.
The winter vacation for Kashmir division and the winter zones of Jammu division was initially announced on December 6, 2023, and implemented in two phases—classes up to Grade 5 went on vacation from December 10, while higher classes commenced their break from December 16.
Each year, schools in Kashmir remain closed for approximately three months as temperatures drop below freezing, and vast stretches of the region remain covered in snow, making daily commutes challenging. With the arrival of spring, the reopening of schools marks the beginning of a new academic session, filled with renewed enthusiasm and aspirations for students and teachers alike.
