Odisha Government Announces Durga Puja Vacation For Schools From October 20

The Odisha government has officially declared a vacation for schools from October 20 in celebration of the Durga Puja festival.

Odisha Government declared Durga Puja vacation from October 20. (Representative Image)

Source : File photo/AFP

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a 10-day vacation for schools starting from October 20 in observance of the Durga Puja festival, according to notifications. During this period, all schools will remain closed and the vacation will continue until October 29. The directorates of secondary and elementary education issued notifications on Friday, directing district education officers to inform school authorities about the holiday for Durga Puja.

Additionally, the government has declared October 14 as a holiday in celebration of Mahalaya, signifying the conclusion of Pitri Pakshya. This decision was made to observe this significant day.

In other news, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has made a significant announcement of a Rs 5,300 Durga Puja bonus for civic volunteers of the West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, and ASHA workers employed under the health department. Preparations for Durga Puja are currently in full swing in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha.

Durga Puja, a prominent Hindu festival, is also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava. It is celebrated annually to honor the Hindu goddess Durga and to commemorate her victory over the demon Mahishasur.

Durga Puja has evolved over the years to become an integral part of Indian culture with countless people celebrating this festival in their own distinctive ways while upholding tradition.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the time when the goddess descends to her earthly abode to bless her devotees. For the Bengali community, Durga Puja stands as the grandest and most significant festival.

The significance of Durga Puja transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated as a manifestation of compassion, unity, humanity, art, and culture. The festival encompasses the rhythmic beats of the 'dhak' (traditional drums), the donning of new attire, and the indulgence in delectable cuisine, creating an atmosphere of festivity and merriment that prevails during these joyous days.