Bhubaneswar, August 29: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared September 9 a holiday for this year's 'Nuakhai', a festival of masses.   

While 'Nuakhai' falls on September 8, a Sunday, the next day (September 9) will be a holiday as Nuakhai celebrations continue for a few days.  

All government offices and magisterial courts will remain closed on the day. Besides, all educational institutions will also remain closed. 

Nuakhai is massively celebrated in western Odisha. On this day, Nabanna (cooked newly produced rice ) is offered to Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur and Western Odisha. Nabanna offering is followed by rituals like 'Bhetghat', feasts, merrymaking, etc. 

The agriculture-related festival is also celebrated across Odisha. 

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