Diwali / Odisha CM, LoP to skip Diwali celebrations in solidarity with flood, landslide victims

Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik have decided not to celebrate Diwali this year as a mark of solidarity with people affected by Cyclone Arnab-triggered floods and landslides in several parts of the State, officials said on Saturday.

Solidarity gesture

In a statement, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said Diwali celebrations at CM Majhi's residence have been cancelled in view of the extensive damage and suffering caused by the disaster in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.

The Chief Minister has also requested people not to bring gifts or bouquets on the occasion. In a message, he appealed to citizens to remain sensitive towards those affected by the disaster and extend support to families facing hardship.

Similarly, the office of Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik announced that he would not celebrate the festival this year.

According to a statement issued by his office, the floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab have caused unprecedented damage in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, while several people continue to endure immense hardship. It also noted that rescue efforts were still under way to trace people reported missing following landslides.

Patnaik said he would refrain from celebrating Diwali in solidarity with affected families and those grieving losses caused by the disaster.

He is currently visiting flood-hit areas of Ganjam district to assess the extent of damage and interact with affected residents.

Cyclone impact

The death toll linked to Cyclone Arnab in Odisha has risen to six, while 10 persons remain missing.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P. Patil said that Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, and the subsequent floods affected around 1.18 lakh people in Odisha. The disaster damaged 75,388 hectares of crop area and 1,672 houses.

Among the worst-hit areas was Gidipabali village on the Ganjam-Kandhamal border, where landslides triggered by heavy rainfall buried houses under mud and debris. At least 13 survivors who escaped the landslide have been accommodated at a relief centre near G. Udaygiri.
Also Read: Odisha likely to witness dry weather during Diwali celebrations

Diwali celebrations

Diwali, the festival of lights, is traditionally celebrated with diyas, decorative lighting and prayers for prosperity and well-being. According to the Hindu calendar, Diwali will be observed on Sunday, November 8, this year.

Notably, CM Majhi had earlier skipped Durga Puja celebrations as a mark of solidarity with farmers affected by crop losses caused by heavy rainfall in October.