Bhubaneswar

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced their decision to cancel Diwali celebrations this year in view of the damage and suffering caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods in several parts of the state.

In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said Diwali celebrations at Majhi’s residence have been cancelled.

The CM has also requested people not to bring 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 said in a post on X.

The office of the Leader of Opposition said the BJD president Naveen Patnaik has decided not to celebrate Diwali, in solidarity with the people affected by floods in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal.

"Patnaik stated that the floods, triggered by the cyclone, have caused unprecedented damage in Ganjam and Gajapati. The people there are enduring immense suffering. Furthermore, it has not yet been possible to rescue all those who went missing after being buried under the earth due to landslides. Therefore, Patnaik has decided not to celebrate Diwali during this time of sorrow for the people," the statement said.

Earlier, Majhi also skipped Durga Puja celebrations as a mark of solidarity with farmers who suffered crop losses due to heavy rainfall in October. He had refrained from visiting puja pandals.

The state's southern districts have been severely impacted following heavy rainfall and floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab, displacing thousands and causing extensive damage to property and crops.

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At least 11 people have died in cyclone-related incidents in the state.