Schools shut as state observes three-day mourning for Dy CM Ajit Pawar, closed until…

Maharashtra schools closed today: Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, will be cremated with full state honours today. The state government has announced three days of state mourning following the tragic death of Dy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday.

As a mark of respect, all government and private schools, as well as colleges across the state, will remain closed until January 30, 2026. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings, state offices will remain closed, and no official celebrations or entertainment events will be held. This comes in line with the order issued by the chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

What does the order say?

The official noted stated: “Shri. Ajit Ashatai Anantrao Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra passed away today, the 28th January, 2026. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, state mourning shall be observed throughout Maharashtra for three days. As per the instructions of the Government of Maharashtra, I am directed to request you to take necessary action accordingly and ensure that the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout the state of Maharashtra from 28.01.2026 to 30.01.2026 (both days inclusive) on all buildings where it is flown regularly.”

It added, “The Government of Maharashtra hereby declares closing of all offices of the state government throughout the state on account of sad demise of Shri. Ajit Ashatai Anantrao Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra onWednesday, January 28th, 2026.” Following this, all government and private schools, colleges were closed in the state yesterday.

While an official order regarding the holiday has not yet been received, students are advised to check with their schools about closures across the state.