Winter vacation for schools across Rajasthan commenced on December 25, 2025 and was scheduled to continue till January 5, 2026, following a directive issued by the Rajasthan Education Department in response to warnings from the Meteorological Department of Rajasthan about a significant intensification of cold wave conditions from December 24 onwards. The Meteorological Department had forecast dense fog, sub-zero temperatures in desert districts, and severe cold wave conditions across north and central Rajasthan. The Education Department's order covered government and private schools up to class 8. Subsequently, multiple district collectors across Rajasthan — including in Jaipur, Dausa, Sikar, Bundi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pali, Beawar, Dholpur, and Jhalawar — exercised their discretionary powers to extend school closures for classes up to 8 till January 14, 2026, citing worsening cold wave conditions and concerns about children's health and safety during commutes. Rajasthan experiences severe winter cold waves primarily due to: cold, dry winds blowing from the Himalayan region; the absence of moisture-moderating water bodies in the Thar desert landscape; and radiative cooling over the semi-arid terrain at night. Districts like Churu, Sikar, Fatehpur, and Pilani routinely record minimum temperatures near 0°C during December-January. The administration of winter vacations in Rajasthan highlights the intersection of climate vulnerability, educational continuity, and local governance — with district-level executive officers (District Collectors) having delegated authority to adapt state government orders to local conditions.