Nuakhai Holiday Declared in Odisha for August 29, 2025 | Schools & Offices to Shut
(OT Webdesk)In a move that underscores the cultural heartbeat of Western Odisha, the state government has declared August 29, 2025 (Friday) a public holiday to mark Nuakhai — the region’s cherished agrarian festival.
The announcement, endorsed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, ensures the closure of all government offices, magistrate courts, schools, colleges, universities, and teacher education institutions across the state.
Nuakhai celebrates the first harvest of the season, with rituals that include offering the new grain to deities and exchanging greetings known as Nuakhai Juhar.
Families gather for traditional feasts, and communities engage in vibrant cultural programs.
To accommodate the holiday, September 13, 2025 (Second Saturday) will be observed as a compensatory working day for government institutions.
This gesture reflects Odisha’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and honouring regional traditions that bind communities together.