THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/SHILLONG/IMPHAL/AIZAWL, JULY 19 (IANS/PTI): Football fever has swept across India’s Northeast and Kerala as four state governments declared holidays on Monday, July 20, to allow students and youth to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina.
In Kerala, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan directed the General Education and Higher Education Departments to close all schools, colleges, universities, and professional institutions. The decision followed widespread appeals from students and football enthusiasts on social media, urging the government to grant a holiday so they could enjoy the midnight final without worrying about classes the next morning.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12.30 a.m. IST on Monday, making it difficult for students to attend classes after a sleepless night. Several schools in Ernakulam had already announced holidays independently, but the state government’s intervention ensured uniformity across Kerala. Higher Education Minister Roji M. John confirmed that all higher education institutions, including professional colleges, would remain closed. General Education Minister N. Samsudheen echoed the sentiment, posting on social media with the playful message: “Happy now, kids?”
Kerala’s towns and villages have been transformed into football arenas in recent days, with giant cut-outs of international stars, massive banners, flags, and decorative arches erected by supporters of Spain and Argentina. Local fan clubs have organised public screenings, rallies, and celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere across the state.
In Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced a one-day holiday for all educational institutions, calling it a gesture towards the state’s football-loving youth. “Football is a passion and a way of life in our state,” Sangma said, adding that the decision was taken after witnessing the overwhelming response to the CM Fan Parks set up during the tournament. “Enjoy the finals and wish you all the very best,” he told students and fans.
The CM Fan Parks across Meghalaya saw massive participation, with thousands gathering to watch matches together. The final between Spain and Argentina is expected to draw even larger crowds, with public viewing centres and giant screens set up in towns and villages.
In Manipur, the Education Department issued a formal notice declaring the closure of all schools, colleges, and universities under government, aided, or unaided sectors. The order, approved by the Governor, stated that the holiday was intended to allow students to enjoy the FIFA World Cup final at 12.30 a.m. on July 20.
Mizoram also joined the celebrations, declaring a full holiday for all schools, colleges, and educational institutions, while government offices will function only from the afternoon. An office memorandum issued by the General Administration Department said government offices, except banking institutions, would observe a half-holiday, remaining closed during the forenoon and resuming from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma described football as “The Greatest Show on Planet” and emphasised its special place in the hearts of the Mizo people. “We Mizos are great lovers of football, and among our youth there are now many who are skilled enough to make a livelihood through the sport. We also desire to nurture and produce more such talented young people,” he said in a social media post. He added that the holiday would allow fans to watch the match comfortably and report to work or school without difficulty the next morning.
The unprecedented move by Kerala, Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram highlights the unmatched popularity of football in these regions, where the sport enjoys a following rivalled only by cricket in other parts of India. With lakhs of fans expected to unite in celebration, Monday promises to be a historic day for football enthusiasts across the four states.
