Odisha Declares August 29 as Holiday to Honor Nuakhai’s Cultural Legacy

(OT Webdesk)In a move that celebrates regional tradition and strengthens cultural identity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared August 29, 2025, as a government holiday.

The announcement comes in recognition of the day following Nuakhai—a revered agrarian festival in Western Odisha that marks the harvest and fosters familial unity.

While Nuakhai itself has long been observed with official leave, the day after holds deep emotional significance. Families gather to exchange greetings known as Nuakhai Juhar, participate in cultural programs, and reinforce social bonds.

Acknowledging this, the state government has extended the holiday to include August 29, allowing citizens to fully engage in post-festival traditions.

To maintain administrative balance, September 13 (Second Saturday) will now be a working day across government offices and executive magistrate courts. This adjustment ensures that cultural respect does not compromise governance efficiency.

The decision has been widely welcomed across Western Odisha, where Nuakhai is more than a festival—it’s a symbol of agrarian pride and community spirit.