Bhubaneswar, 26 August (H.S.) As with every year, the Odisha government has declared a public holiday on the occasion of Nuakhai, the traditional agrarian festival widely celebrated across western Odisha. For the year 2025, the holiday has been scheduled for Friday, August 29, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The day following Nuakhai holds significant cultural and emotional value for the people of western Odisha. It is a time when families and relatives gather to exchange greetings, known as ‘Nuakhai Juhar’, and participate in various cultural events. The festival plays an important role in preserving the region’s familial, social, and cultural traditions.

In view of its importance, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that all government offices and executive magistrate courts will remain closed on August 29, 2025.

To compensate for the declared holiday, Saturday, September 13, 2025 (the second Saturday of the month) will be observed as a working day.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda