Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, 19 October 2025, directed that Durga Puja celebrations across the state be observed in a subdued manner this year, citing widespread destruction from heavy rainfall and flooding that has devastated several districts. The decision reflects the administration's sensitivity to agrarian distress at a time when farmers have suffered extensive crop losses.

Why the Chief Minister Scaled Back

In an official statement, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed that CM Majhi had taken the decision in view of the damage inflicted by incessant rainfall and floods across various districts of Odisha. Notably, the Chief Minister said he would not visit any puja pandals to offer prayers during the Dussehra festivities — a visible signal of solidarity with flood-affected communities, particularly farmers who bore the brunt of the season's rains.

'In view of the damage caused by incessant rainfall and floods in various districts of the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has decided to celebrate the Durga Puja festival in a low-key manner this year,' the CMO stated.

CM's Message: Reverence Amid Restraint

Despite the scaled-back official participation, CM Majhi extended warm greetings to citizens through a video message, describing Durga Puja as far more than a religious festival. He called it a symbol of cultural tradition and spiritual awakening, with Maa Durga representing Matru Shakti — maternal power — at the core of Odisha's civilisation.

'Durga Puja is not merely a religious festival. It is a symbol of our cultural tradition and a path of spiritual awakening. May the arrival of Maa Durga, the embodiment of power (Shakti Swaroopini), on this Earth bring auspiciousness to all,' Majhi said in the message.

He added: 'With the blessings of Maa Durga, may sorrow and injustice be eradicated from the world, and may every household be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity; this is my prayer at the feet of the mother.'

Celebrations Continue Across Odisha

Despite the government's restrained stance, Durga Puja festivities are being observed across the state with colourful pandals, elaborate lighting, and large gatherings of devotees. Temples and puja mandaps have been decorated, and authorities have made arrangements to facilitate the movement of visitors, particularly in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

Security and Safety Arrangements

The Odisha Police has deployed personnel at puja pandals and set up traffic management measures across major urban centres. Separately, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services has launched the 'Shakti Suraksha' campaign to prevent fires and other emergencies at pandals during the festive season.

The fire department identified 1,515 Durga Puja pandals across the state this year. More than 5,000 fire personnel, along with various firefighting equipment, have been deployed at multiple locations across Odisha to respond swiftly to any untoward incident.

As flood-recovery efforts continue in the affected districts, the state government's response to the festive season will likely serve as a gauge of how administrations balance cultural observance with humanitarian responsibility in the weeks ahead.