Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: The Odisha government has officially declared an additional public holiday on Monday, October 20, in view of the Diwali celebrations. With this, the government employees and institutions across the state will have two-day holiday, including October 21 — Diwali as per the calendar. 

The announcement comes as a festive relief for government employees and institutions across the state, allowing them to celebrate the festival of lights with their families.

However, the holiday declaration comes with one exception — Nuapada district. All government offices and institutions in Nuapada will remain open on October 20, as per the official notification. No specific reason has been cited for this exclusion. Reports suggest that the reason behind the decision to exclude Nuapada is likely to be the upcoming bypoll.

Also read: Two-Hour Window: Bhubaneswar Police Issues Diwali Guidelines

In addition to the Diwali holiday, the state government has also declared Saturday, October 25, as a working day, marking it as the fourth Saturday of the month. This move is likely aimed at compensating for the festive leave and maintaining administrative balance.

The Diwali holiday will apply to all other districts, ensuring that government offices, schools, and other public institutions remain closed on Monday. The announcement might cheer up employees and the general public, who are gearing up for the festive season with enthusiasm.

The state government has urged all departments to ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted during the holiday. Emergency services, including healthcare, fire, and police departments, will continue to operate as usual.

This decision aligns with the festive spirit across the state, as markets, homes, and public spaces are already lit up in anticipation of Diwali. The holiday will allow citizens to participate in traditional rituals, family gatherings, and community celebrations without workday constraints.