Odisha Declares State Holiday On August 29 For Nuakhai
Often described as the "festival of farmers", Nuakhai holds the same emotional and social significance for people in western Odisha as Diwali or Durga Puja does in other parts of the country: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has declared August 29 as a statewide public holiday in observance of Nuakhai, the vibrant agrarian festival celebrated predominantly in the western districts of the state. The holiday, which falls the day after the festival, is intended to allow citizens—many of whom travel great distances home for the occasion—to return to their workplaces comfortably.
Nuakhai, derived from the words ‘nua’* (new) and ‘khai’ (food), literally translates to "eating the new harvest." It is a deeply rooted cultural celebration in Odisha’s agrarian heartland, particularly observed in the districts of Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Angul, Kalahandi, and Nuapada. On this day, families gather to offer the season’s first grains to their presiding deity— ‘Maa Samaleswari’ —in gratitude for a bountiful harvest, followed by communal feasting, ritual blessings, and acts of reconciliation.
Often described as the "festival of farmers", Nuakhai holds the same emotional and social significance for people in western Odisha as Diwali or Durga Puja does in other parts of the country. It not only honours agricultural prosperity but also reinforces family bonds and social harmony, as loved ones reunite, don new clothes, and participate in age-old customs that emphasize gratitude, unity, and renewal.
The announcement was made via a notification issued by the revenue and disaster management department, stating that all state government offices, magisterial courts, and educational institutions will remain closed on August 29. However, essential services—including emergency response, healthcare, and law enforcement—will remain operational to ensure uninterrupted public service.
In a corresponding administrative measure, the government has also announced that September 13—the second Saturday of the month, typically a non-working day—will now be observed as a working day for government offices. This adjustment has been made to maintain administrative efficiency while accommodating cultural priorities.
District administrations across Odisha have been instructed to ensure that critical services are not disrupted during the holiday.
As Nuakhai continues to gain recognition beyond regional borders, the state’s decision to grant an official holiday underline the cultural richness of India’s harvest festivals and their enduring role in community life.