Last Updated:
Rajasthan’s education department has warned schools not to force students to dress as Santa Claus, saying strict action will be taken for violations.
Rajasthan education department warns schools against forcing students to dress as Santa Claus. (Representational Image/Getty)
The education department in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district has issued a warning to schools against forcing students to dress up as Santa Claus. The department has clearly stated that strict action will be taken if any school is found violating the instructions. “Action will be taken under rules if any school is found forcing students,” the official order said.
The directive was issued on December 22 by Additional District Education Officer Ashok Wadhwa, who cautioned schools against putting unnecessary pressure on students or their parents to participate in such activities. The order said that while cultural programmes may be organised, no student should be compelled to take part. If students are forced or parents are pressured, the responsibility will lie with the school management concerned.
The order followed a representation submitted by the Bharat-Tibet Sahyog Manch to district education authorities. The organisation alleged that in recent years, some schools in the district have been compelling children to dress up as Santa Claus, which has led to resentment among parents.
Wadhwa said that since December 25 is observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, schools must maintain balance while planning their programmes and ensure that no particular festival is imposed on students. He added that Sri Ganganagar is a Hindu-Sikh majority area, and no tradition should be forced upon students or families against their wishes.
However, Veer Bal Diwas (meaning Day of Brave Children) is officially observed on December 26. The day commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the younger sons of the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. It marks the events at Anandpur Sahib Fort, where Guru Gobind Singh, along with his family and followers, was forced to leave after the fort was surrounded by the Mughal army.
A similar directive has reportedly been issued in Uttar Pradesh, where schools have been instructed not to declare a holiday on Christmas this year. According to local reports, the order was issued by the Basic Education Department to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, coinciding with the conclusion of his birth centenary year.
ALSO READ: RRB Group D 2025 CBT Revised Schedule Released; Check New Exam Dates
Meanwhile, the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan, Ajmer (RBSE) has announced winter vacations for schools across the state. As per the notification, all schools in Rajasthan will remain closed from December 25 to January 5.
The decision was taken as cold conditions intensified across the state, with night temperatures dropping sharply. The department said cold weather is likely to continue, with shallow to dense fog expected in northern districts during early morning hours.
December 24, 2025, 13:54 IST
Read More
