New Delhi, Jan. 14 -- In anticipation of a massive gathering of pilgrims for the current Magh Mela, the Prayagraj district administration on Wednesday declared a holiday for all primary and middle schools until 20 January.

Anil Kumar, the District Basic Education Officer, said that this measure was enacted to account for the enormous crowds arriving for Makar Sankranti and Mauni Amavasya, which will likely necessitate significant traffic diversions and hinder local transportation, as reported by news agency PTI.

He clarified that Classes 1 to 8 are set to shut from 16 to 20 January, though educational sessions will transition to online platforms during this interval to maintain academic progress.

The Magh Mela, an annual religious asse...