The Nuakhai festival, an agricultural celebration linked to the harvesting of new rice, was observed on September 8. As a result, the Odisha government declared September 9, 2024, as a public holiday for all schools—government, private, and government-aided—across the state.
Nuakhai Festival Holiday Announcement
Nuakhai, a significant festival in Western Odisha, revolves around the new season’s rice crop and is widely celebrated by farming communities. On Sunday, September 8, people across the state participated in festivities that honor the agricultural traditions of the region.
Following the celebrations, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that all state government offices, educational institutions, and magisterial courts would be closed on September 9. This decision was made to allow citizens to fully participate in the post-festival customs and observances.
School Closures
The Odisha government, in a formal announcement, declared that all schools—whether government-run, government-aided, or private—would remain closed on September 9 in observance of the Nuakhai festival. This additional holiday ensures that students and staff can join in the celebration and rest after the festivities.
Are Banks Open Today?
In addition to school closures, a notice from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department stated that all banks and financial institutions across the state would also remain closed on September 9. This measure extends to both private and public-sector banks. The formal notification has been circulated statewide, ensuring that essential financial services are paused for the day in alignment with the public holiday.
What is Nuakhai?
Nuakhai is one of the most important agricultural festivals in Odisha, especially celebrated by the people of Western Odisha. The festival is dedicated to offering thanks for the season’s new rice crop, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude for a bountiful harvest. This tradition, rooted deeply in the region’s agrarian culture, strengthens community ties and emphasizes the importance of agriculture in rural life.
On the day of Nuakhai, families prepare new rice dishes and share them with relatives and neighbors, celebrating unity and prosperity. The festival also marks a time to honor and express gratitude toward farmers, the backbone of the agricultural economy.
Presidential and Government Greetings
On the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu extended her heartfelt wishes to the people of Odisha and the entire nation. In a social media post, the President highlighted the significance of Nuakhai in India’s agrarian life and conveyed her best wishes for happiness and prosperity.
Odisha’s Chief Minister also used the occasion to launch a significant initiative for the state’s farmers. The CM Kisan Yojana, introduced on the Nuakhai festival, is a financial assistance program designed to support farming families across Odisha. The Chief Minister announced the launch of the CM Kisan Portal—Odisha Unified Farmer Portal—enabling around 46 lakh farming families to benefit from financial aid.
Financial Assistance for Farmers
As part of the CM Kisan Yojana, a total of ₹925 crores has been directly transferred to farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with the goal of improving their financial stability and aiding agricultural development. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the livelihoods of Odisha’s farmers and bolster the state’s agriculture-based economy.
In a message posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), CM Majhi expressed his joy at launching the scheme during the holy festival of Nuakhai, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting farmers.
Odisha’s continued focus on agricultural development, coupled with the celebration of traditional festivals like Nuakhai, reinforces the state’s dedication to its agrarian roots and the welfare of its farming community.
Conclusion
With the declaration of September 9 as a public holiday, schools and banks across Odisha will remain closed, allowing families and communities to fully engage in the Nuakhai celebrations. Through this festival, Odisha not only honors its agricultural heritage but also strengthens the fabric of its rural economy, promoting prosperity and unity throughout the state.