Odisha Government Announces Two-Day Diwali Holiday for State Institutions

Strategic Insights -

The Odisha state government declared a two-day holiday for government institutions on October 20 and 21, following appeals from religious scholars and public sentiment. The decision ensures that all government institutions across the state, except those in Nuapada district due to the November 11 by-election, will remain closed on both days. The revised order was issued by the revenue and disaster management department, citing Diwali celebrations as the reason for the extended holiday.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Odisha state government announced a two-day holiday for government institutions on October 20 and 21, in addition to the previously scheduled holiday on October 21.
  • The decision was made following appeals from religious scholars and public sentiment, aiming to ensure that all government institutions across the state, except those in Nuapada district, would remain closed on both days.
  • The revenue and disaster management department issued the revised order, citing Diwali celebrations as the reason for the extended holiday.
  • Banks will remain closed on October 20, but will reopen on October 21.
  • The school and mass education department confirmed that all government-aided and unaided schools will remain closed on October 20 for Diwali.
  • The holiday revision was made following a request from the Muktimandap Pandit Mahasabha, which urged the government to shift the Diwali holiday to Monday instead of Tuesday due to an unusual celestial alignment.
  • Aditya Mishra, working secretary of the Puri-based Mahasabha, emphasized the importance of adhering to astrological calculations and avoiding scriptural norms.
  • The announcement has cleared the confusion related to Diwali celebrations, and revellers are now gearing up to celebrate Diwali on Monday and Tuesday.

Statistics:

  • October 20 and 21 were declared as public holidays for government institutions throughout the state, except for Nuapada district on October 21 due to the by-election.
  • The revenue and disaster management department issued the revised order on October [insert date, if available].
  • The government has decided to compensate for the lost work by making October 25 (Saturday) a working day.
  • Bank branches will remain closed on October 20, affecting the normal functioning of banking services.
  • Government-aided and unaided schools will remain closed on October 20 for Diwali.
  • The Muktimandap Pandit Mahasabha made the request for a two-day holiday on October 20 and 21, citing astrological calculations for the revised date.

Sources:

  • Revenue and disaster management department, Odisha government
  • School and mass education department, Odisha government
  • Muktimandap Pandit Mahasabha
  • Times Content