Odisha Public Holidays 2025: Complete List and Cultural Insights
As we step into 2025, it’s time to take a closer look at the Odisha public holidays that will shape the year ahead. Whether you’re planning your family vacations, religious rituals, long weekends, or simply want to stay organized for school, work, or government-related tasks, having a clear view of Odisha’s official holidays is essential.
Odisha, a culturally rich state in eastern India, observes a blend of national, regional, and religious holidays throughout the year. The 2025 holiday calendar brings with it a vibrant mix of festivals, historical commemorations, and traditional observances that reflect the spirit and diversity of Odisha.
Let’s dive into the full list of Odisha public holidays in 2025, along with a glimpse into their significance and how they are celebrated across the state.
🗓️ Odisha Public Holidays 2025 – Full Calendar
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Jan | Tue | Makara Sankranti |
| 23 Jan | Thu | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti |
| 26 Jan | Sun | Republic Day |
| 2 Feb | Sun | Vasant Panchami |
| 26 Feb | Wed | Maha Shivaratri |
| 5 Mar | Wed | Panchayatiraj Divas |
| 14 Mar | Fri | Holi |
| 31 Mar | Mon | Idul Fitr |
| 1 Apr | Tue | Odisha Day |
| 6 Apr | Sun | Ram Navami |
| 13 Apr | Sun | Maha Vishuba Sankranti |
| 14 Apr | Mon | Dr Ambedkar Jayanti |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday |
| 7 Jun | Sat | Bakrid / Eid al-Adha |
| 14 Jun | Sat | Pahili Raja |
| 15 Jun | Sun | Raja Sankranti |
| 27 Jun | Fri | Ratha Yatra |
| 6 Jul | Sun | Muharram |
| 8 Aug | Fri | Jhulan Purnima |
| 15 Aug | Fri | Independence Day |
| 16 Aug | Sat | Janmashtami |
| 27 Aug | Wed | Ganesh Chaturthi |
| 28 Aug | Thu | Nuakhai |
| 5 Sep | Fri | Eid e Milad |
| 21 Sep | Sun | Mahalaya Amavasye |
| 29 Sep | Mon | Maha Saptami |
| 30 Sep | Tue | Maha Ashtami |
| 1 Oct | Wed | Maha Navami |
| 2 Oct | Thu | Vijaya Dashami / Gandhi Jayanti |
| 6 Oct | Mon | Lakshmi Puja |
| 20 Oct | Mon | Diwali |
| 5 Nov | Wed | Karthika Purnima |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day |
🌾 Major Festivals and Cultural Highlights
1. Makara Sankranti – 14th January (Tuesday)
Makara Sankranti marks the end of the winter solstice and is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Odisha. People prepare traditional sweets like makara chaula, fly kites, and pray for prosperity. This is also the day when the famous Makar Mela takes place in various temples across the state.
2. Netaji Jayanti – 23rd January (Thursday)
Odisha honors Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the most celebrated freedom fighters born in Cuttack. Schools, colleges, and government institutions pay tribute with parades and speeches.
3. Republic Day – 26th January (Sunday)
A national holiday celebrated with patriotic fervor across India, Republic Day includes flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and parades in Bhubaneswar and other cities of Odisha.
4. Holi – 14th March (Friday)
Holi, the festival of colors, brings vibrant joy and unity. In Odisha, the celebration varies regionally, with Dola Purnima being an important pre-Holi event in many parts.
5. Odisha Day (Utkal Divas) – 1st April (Tuesday)
This is a proud day for every Odia. It marks the formation of the state of Odisha in 1936. Cultural programs, parades, and musical events are organized to showcase Odia heritage and identity.
6. Raja Parba – 14th & 15th June (Saturday & Sunday)
This unique Odia festival celebrates womanhood and fertility. Young girls enjoy swinging on traditional ‘pithas’ (swings), wear new clothes, and relish festive delicacies like poda pitha and chakuli pitha.
7. Ratha Yatra – 27th June (Friday)
The grand chariot festival of Lord Jagannath held in Puri draws lakhs of devotees. The deities are taken out on huge chariots in a magnificent procession, which is also broadcast nationwide.
8. Nuakhai – 28th August (Thursday)
Nuakhai is the harvest festival of western Odisha where people offer the first grains to their family deity. It’s a time for family reunions, traditional attire, and community feasts.
9. Durga Puja (Maha Saptami to Vijaya Dashami) – 29th Sept to 2nd Oct
Durga Puja is one of the most awaited festivals in Odisha. Cities like Cuttack are famous for their silver filigree (Tarakasi) pandals. The entire week sees music, dance, food, and spiritual devotion.
10. Diwali – 20th October (Monday)
The festival of lights is celebrated with fireworks, diya decorations, and Lakshmi Puja. Many people also perform Kaunriya Kathi rituals, especially in coastal Odisha.
🕌 Muslim Festivals in Odisha
Odisha, being a secular and inclusive state, observes several Muslim festivals as public holidays:
Eid-ul-Fitr (31st March)
Bakrid (7th June)
Muharram (6th July)
Eid-e-Milad (5th September)
These festivals are celebrated with prayers at mosques, feasts, and charitable activities.
✝️ Christian and Tribal Observances
Good Friday (18th April) and Christmas (25th December) are celebrated by the Christian community across Odisha with church services, candlelight vigils, and carols.
In tribal belts, local customs and religious days are honored with regional festivals like Chhau, Sital Sasthi, and Karma Puja, though not always listed as public holidays.
🎉 Planning Tips Around Odisha Holidays 2025
Long Weekends: Several holidays fall near weekends. For example, Holi (14 Mar, Friday), Ratha Yatra (27 Jun, Friday), and Diwali (20 Oct, Monday) can be great for short trips.
Travel: If you’re planning a visit to Puri, Konark, or the Chilika Lake, align your holidays with festive days for an enriched experience.
School & Office Closures: Many private and government institutions follow this official calendar. However, schools might have a few extra days off for events like Saraswati Puja.
📌 Stay Updated
Please note that these dates are based on official notifications available at the time of writing and may be revised by the Odisha Government later. It’s advisable to check with official websites or your local district collector’s office for the most recent updates.
🙌 Final Thoughts
Odisha’s public holiday calendar for 2025 beautifully captures the state’s diversity, traditions, and harmony. From Jagannath culture in Puri to harvest rituals in Sambalpur, from national pride to religious unity, every holiday is more than a day off—it’s a celebration of identity.
Whether you’re a student, working professional, traveler, or someone who loves Odia culture, this list will help you make the most of your year ahead. Bookmark this page, share it with friends, and start planning your 2025 with joy and purpose.