The Maharashtra government, led by Devendra Fadnavis, has announced that Republic Day will no longer be observed as a school holiday. Instead, from January 26, 2025, students must take part in national pride-promoting events, such as competitions.

The government of Maharashtra has declared that Republic Day, January 26, will no longer be observed as a state holiday. Instead, students are encouraged to engage in activities that foster a sense of patriotism on that day.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the school education administration instructed all public and private schools to host daylong festivities that include a variety of patriotic-themed competitions.

It stated, "We should instill in the students a sense of national pride regarding the history, our rich culture, and the future of the country on the day of January 26." Republic Day will therefore be observed with a variety of activities in all public and private schools across all media starting on January 26, 2025.

Republic Day requires eight competitions and events, all with a patriotic theme: "Prabhat Pheri" (morning march) following flag-hoisting; elocution competition; poetry competition; dancing, drawing, essay, and sports competitions; and an exhibition. The instruction said that district education officers and education inspectors would be responsible for enforcing it.

However, the directive was heavily criticized.

According to the Hindustan Times, teacher activist Bhausaheb Chaskar said, "Students are already overwhelmed with events being celebrated in schools." There are several opportunities to observe, and occasionally they clash with the curriculum for time.

"It's not like schools haven't been celebrating Republic Day with a variety of activities," he continued. However, why should such festivities take up the entire day?
Defense forces took part in the full-dress rehearsal march for Republic Day.

Defense forces took part in the full-dress rehearsal march for Republic Day.
 

Defense forces took part in the full-dress rehearsal of the 76th Republic Day Parade on Sunday at Kartavya Path in advance of Republic Day 2025.

The full-dress rehearsals are taking place in advance of January 25, 2025, Republic Day festivities.

In the meantime, Delhi Police has strengthened security, stepped up patrols, and installed guards in marketplaces and other locations to guarantee public safety as the holiday season—which includes New Year's Eve and Republic Day—approaches.

"We have increased patrolling in markets and other areas with heavy foot traffic during the festive season," Ankit Chauhan told ANI, DCP South. Every evening, senior officers leave with more strength. In order to provide people a sense of security, they inspect both individuals and the security equipment in marketplaces.

As January 26 draws near, he added, the police have also stepped up tenant-servant verification.