Bhubaneswar, August 26: The Odisha government has officially declared a public holiday on Friday, August 29, to celebrate Nuakhai, a major agrarian festival celebrated predominantly in Western Odisha.
On the occasion of Nuakhai, families come together, greet each other with “Nuakhai Juhar,” and participate in traditional cultural programs and rituals. It is a celebration deeply rooted in the rural ethos of Western Odisha.
Recognizing the importance of this day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that all government offices and executive magistrate courts will remain closed on August 29, the day following Nuakhai. This move is aimed at allowing people, especially those from Western Odisha, to fully participate in the festivities and reunite with their loved ones.
To compensate for this holiday, the government has declared Saturday, September 13, 2025 (Second Saturday) — typically a non-working day — as a working day for government offices.
