BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has cancelled this year’s Diwali celebrations at his official residence, citing the extensive damage and widespread suffering caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods across the state.
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the decision reflects solidarity with thousands of displaced families. The CM has also requested well-wishers and the public to refrain from bringing gifts or bouquets on the occasion.
“The Hon’ble Chief Minister has appealed to people to remain sensitive to the public in the affected areas and extend a helping hand to those affected by the disaster,” the CMO stated in a post on X
Severe rainfall and flooding triggered by Cyclone Arnab have devastated several southern districts of Odisha. The disaster has displaced thousands of residents, submerged vast tracts of farmland, and caused significant damage to property and standing crops.
This marks the second major festive cancellation by the Chief Minister in recent months. Earlier, Majhi skipped Durga Puja celebrations and refrained from visiting puja pandals to stand in solidarity with farmers who suffered heavy crop losses due to torrential rains in October.
Relief and rehabilitation operations continue across the worst-hit southern districts as the state government works to restore normalcy.
