The Odisha state government has declared a 10-day holiday for schools from October 20 to October 29 for the Durga Puja festival.
The School and Mass Education department issued an official notice, instructing District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) to ensure the implementation of these vacation days, news agency PTI reported.
Both the Directorate of Secondary Education and the Directorate of Elementary Education have issued notices specifying the school closure dates. During this period, all elementary and secondary schools in Odisha will remain closed, allowing students and teachers to join in the Durga Puja celebrations. The schools are scheduled to reopen on October 30.
The government also declared October 14 as a holiday to mark Mahalaya, which signifies the end of Pitru Paksha, a period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring ancestors.
The state of Telangana is set to observe an extended holiday period from October 14 to October 25 due to the Dussehra. Government and private schools, colleges and banks will remain closed, according to the report by Jagran Josh.
Mahalaya and Durga Puja Celebrations:
Mahalaya, which falls on October 14, signifies the commencement of Durga Puja and is considered highly auspicious. Devotees across several states, including Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Tripura, observe this day by performing various rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga. The day marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Debi Paksha (the age of the Goddess). Devotees engage in prayers, take ceremonial baths in rivers like the Ganges, and participate in cultural events to welcome the arrival of Goddess Durga.
The Durga Puja festival culminates with Dussehra, the ninth day of Navratri, falling on October 24 this year. Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, commences on October 15.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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