- By Swati Kumar
- Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- 221 schools and colleges remain closed on July 28-29 in Visakhapatnam.
- Holidays are granted for the annual Simhachalam Giripradakshina pilgrimage.
- Safety measures, including medical units, are deployed on the route to ensure smooth devotee movement.
Visakhapatnam School Holiday 2026: For the annual Simhachalam Giripradakshina, expected to witness lakhs of devotees, the Visakhapatnam district administration has ordered all 221 schools and colleges to remain closed on July 28 and 29. The decision has been taken to ensure smooth traffic management and hassle-free movement of devotees during the event. The holiday notification applies to all educational institutions lying within the 32-kilometer area of the Giripradakshina route. Lakhs of devotees are expected to travel through this route during the event. Parents and children are further advised to take note of the revised holiday schedule.
What Is Simhachalam Giripradakshina?
Simhachalam Giripradakshina is a famous spiritual pilgrimage held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The festival centres around the 32-kilometer trek skirting the holy Simhachalam Hill. The hill is then home to the revered shrine of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. The 32 kilometers symbolize the 32 manifestations of Lord Narasimha.
As per the Executive Officer of the Simhachalam Devasthanam, the annual Giripradakshina started at 2:00 PM on July 28 from the First Pavanchha. The sacred walk is expected to have over lakhs of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
221 Educational Institutions To Have A Two-Day Holiday
To ensure that the devotees have a smooth pilgrimage experience, the authorities have ordered a two-day holiday for 221 educational institutions and schools that are located along the 32-kilometer Giripradakshina route. Schools will remain closed on July 28 and 29. Parents, guardians, and children are advised to stay in contact with their respective schools for any further updates.
Strict Security Measures Are Taken
To make the event a success, the district authorities have strengthened security measures by incorporating CCTV cameras along the route. Ensuring the safety of the devotees, medical teams, police personnel, traffic management teams, and emergency response units are deployed at regular intervals covering the full 32-kilometer route.