Bonalu & Bandhs: Why Telangana Schools Are Closed Again

If you're a parent in Telangana, you might be wondering what’s going on with the school schedule lately. It seems like just as you get back into the routine, another holiday pops up! This past week has been a perfect example, with schools closing for two very different reasons: one for a vibrant cultural festival and another for a statewide student protest. It’s a lot to keep track of, so let’s dive in and unpack what’s behind these unexpected days off.

Key Highlights

• ✓ A holiday was declared on Monday, July 21, 2025, for schools in Hyderabad only, due to the Bonalu festival.
• ✓ A separate statewide holiday for schools and junior colleges was announced for Wednesday, July 23rd.
• ✓ This statewide closure was due to a bandh (strike) called by student unions like AISF and SFI to protest issues in the education sector.
• ✓ Key demands from students include fee regulation for private schools, filling teacher vacancies, and clearing scholarship dues.
• ✓ The academic calendar also includes long breaks for Dasara (Sept 21 - Oct 3) and Christmas (Dec 23 - 27).

A Festive Holiday for Bonalu in Hyderabad

First up was the holiday on Monday, July 21st. Now, if you live outside of Hyderabad, you might have been confused, because this one was specifically for the capital city. The Telangana government declared a holiday for all government and private schools within Hyderabad to mark the grand celebrations following the Bonalu festival. It's easy to forget these things, especially after a weekend, so this was a welcome reminder for many parents getting ready for the Monday school run.

Bonalu is one of Telangana's most significant and colorful cultural festivals, and the celebrations are truly a sight to behold. The main festivities took place across the city on Sunday, with massive gatherings at historic locations like the Golkonda Fort and the famous Lal Darwaza Mahankali temple. The holiday on Monday was for the "Phalaharam Bandi," a grand procession that winds through the streets near the Ammavari temples. Imagine the scene: the whole of Bhagyanagar comes alive with DJ music, energetic dancing, and a truly electric atmosphere. It’s a huge cultural moment, and the government declared the holiday to allow families to participate fully in these traditions.

💡 What's Interesting: It's fascinating to see how two school holidays, just a day apart, reflect the dynamic nature of Telangana—one celebrating deep-rooted cultural heritage and the other highlighting a modern-day struggle for educational rights.

A Different Kind of Holiday: The Statewide Student Bandh

Just as schools were set to resume their normal rhythm, another closure was announced, but this time it was for a completely different reason. On Wednesday, July 23rd, schools and junior colleges across the entire state of Telangana were closed. This wasn't for a festival, but for a statewide bandh, or strike, called by several left-wing student unions who are demanding serious reforms in the education sector.

Prominent student organizations, including the All India Students' Federation (AISF), the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the PDSU, and the AIVF, joined forces to call for this shutdown. According to the unions, they have been raising these issues for a long time, but feel the government hasn't been paying attention. So, they called for the bandh to demand immediate action and bring these problems into the spotlight. To ensure safety and avoid any potential disruptions, many private educational institutions also decided to declare a holiday, following the lead of the protest call.

So, What Are the Students Fighting For?

This wasn't just a random call for a day off; the student unions have a very specific list of demands aimed at improving the state of education in Telangana. These issues affect students from primary school all the way to junior college, and the unions are pushing for fundamental changes. Let's look at what they're asking for.

One of their biggest demands is the introduction of a law to regulate and limit the fees charged by private educational institutions. Many families feel the financial burden of escalating school fees, and students are demanding government intervention. They are also calling for the appointment of a dedicated committee, one with real authority, to oversee and monitor reforms and progress in the education sector.

Another critical issue is staffing. The unions are demanding the immediate filling of all vacant posts for teachers, Mandal Educational Officers (MEOs), and District Educational Officers (DEOs). Empty classrooms and understaffed administrative offices, they argue, are crippling the quality of education. They also want to see the popular Mid-Day Meal scheme extended to benefit students in junior colleges, ensuring that older students also have access to nutritious meals.

Finally, the demands touch upon financial support and infrastructure. The students are insisting that all pending scholarship backlogs be cleared without any further delay, as many rely on this money to continue their education. They are also pushing for a comprehensive upgrade of basic infrastructure and facilities in all government schools and colleges across the state, ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for everyone.

A Look at the Broader Holiday Calendar

Beyond these recent, unexpected closures, the academic year in Telangana has a calendar packed with planned holidays. It’s always good for parents to have these dates on their radar for planning ahead. The two additional holidays in July, for Muharram on the 6th and Bonalu on the 21st, have added to the break time for students this month.

Looking forward, the next major break will be for the Dasara festival. Schools are scheduled to be closed for over ten days, from September 21st to October 3rd. Later in the year, students will get a Christmas break from December 23rd to December 27th. And kicking off the new year, the Sankranti holidays are scheduled for four days, from January 11th to January 15th. These planned breaks are an integral part of the academic calendar, giving students and staff well-deserved time off for major festivals.

Conclusion

So there you have it. The recent string of school holidays in Telangana tells two distinct stories. The closure in Hyderabad was a celebration of the city's rich cultural tapestry, honoring the vibrant Bonalu festival. In stark contrast, the statewide closure was a powerful statement from student organizations fighting for what they believe are essential rights and reforms in the education system. It’s a reminder that the school calendar is often influenced by more than just festivals; it’s a living document that reflects the social and political pulse of the state. For parents, staying informed about both planned and unplanned holidays is key to navigating the academic year.