Odisha Govt Declares Holiday For Schools & Colleges On Jan 27 For SAMALEI Project Launch

Bhubaneswar: Schools and colleges across Odisha will remain closed on January 27 on the occasion of SAMALEI project inauguration in Sambalpur.

According to a CMO release, the decision was taken by the government on Thursday to encourage public participation in the event. Government offices will remain shut on this day as it’s the fourth Saturday of the month.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate the Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiatives (SAMALEI) project on January 27. The rituals for the inauguration commenced on Monday and is likely to culminate with a Kalash Yatra by women in the city on January 26. The water brought during the Yatra will be used for the holy bath of the Goddess, according to sources.

The state government has spent more than Rs 200 crore on this project. The redevelopment included beautification and peripheral development of the temple, heritage corridor, state-of-the-art amenities and the Mahanadi riverfront development. The project was carried out over an area of around 40 acres.

The government had earlier declared January 17 as a public holiday to mark the inauguration of for Srimandir Parikrama Prakalpa around Jagannath Temple in Puri.