The Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi has declared a local holiday for all educational institutions on Tuesday, August 4, because of the Chehlum procession, according to a notification shared on the social media platform X.
According to the notification, the holiday will apply to all government and private schools, colleges and universities located within the municipal limits of Tehsil Rawalpindi. The order does not apply to educational institutions in Cantonment areas.
The district administration said that the decision was made to make sure of security measures and maintain law and order during the Chehlum procession.
The notification also said that markets and commercial establishments located on or near the procession route will remain closed while the procession is taking place.
Punjab declares holiday
The Punjab government has declared August 4 a local holiday in Lahore to mark the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
Authorities also announced a partial suspension of the Rawalpindi Metro Bus Services previously because of the Chehlum procession of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), the holiday will apply to district offices working under the Deputy Commissioner Lahore and other related government offices.
However, the Punjab Civil Secretariat, autonomous bodies, corporations, authorities and regional offices will remain open.
The Punjab government said the holiday has been announced to help manage the Urs events, make it easier for pilgrims to visit Data Darbar and ensure better security. Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual Urs.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi district administration has announced a partial suspension of the Metro Bus Service because of the main Chehlum procession.
According to the Metro Bus administration, the service between Saddar Station and Faizabad will remain suspended on August 4. Metro buses between IJP Road Station and Pak Secretariat will continue to operate as usual.
Additionally, the School Education and Literacy Department has also announced a public holiday on August 4 for all public and private schools across Sindh on the occasion of Chehlum of Imam Hussain.
The department has also issued an official notification about the holiday. The College Education Department has made the same announcement for all public and private colleges in the province. Colleges will also remain closed on Tuesday, August 4.