Bhubaneswar, Aug 26: The Odisha government on Tuesday announced that all government offices, along with revenue and magistrate (executive) courts across the state, will remain closed on August 29, 2025 (Friday) on the occasion of the Nuakhai festival, one of the most significant agrarian celebrations in western Odisha.

The official notification was issued by Diganta Routray, Additional Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department. It stated that the state government has declared a public holiday to allow people to observe the festival with traditional fervor. Nuakhai, also known as the festival of new harvest, is celebrated with great devotion by offering the first grains of paddy to the presiding deities and then sharing the food among family and community members.

The notification further mentioned an adjustment in the holiday calendar. To balance the working schedule, September 13, 2025 (second Saturday), which is generally a holiday, has been declared a working day. This ensures smooth functioning of government offices while maintaining the festive break for Nuakhai.

The decision has been widely welcomed, especially in western Odisha, where Nuakhai holds deep cultural and emotional importance.

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