In a significant move to prioritize governance over ceremonial formalities, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed state government officials to concentrate on their official duties instead of engaging in New Year greeting activities. The directive was issued on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, ahead of the 'English New Year' celebrations.
Chief Minister's Direct Appeal on Social Media
Taking to the social media platform X, Chief Minister Majhi extended his wishes for a happy New Year to the public. However, in the same post, he made a clear request to his colleagues and government employees. He asked them to refrain from visiting his office or residence to offer greetings or congratulations on the occasion. "I also request government employees not to participate in greeting and congratulatory activities during office hours, but to focus on office work," Majhi stated in his post.
He emphasized that the goodwill of Odisha's people was his true reward, expressing gratitude for their support. The Chief Minister also specifically asked well-wishers visiting his official residence not to bring any gifts or flower bouquets, stating, "Only your goodwill and blessings are my sole aspiration." This order effectively puts an end to the long-standing tradition where officials would queue up at the Lok Seva Bhawan to greet the CM, ministers, and senior bureaucrats on New Year's Day.
Administrative Measures for New Year's Eve
Aligning with the CM's focus on maintaining order and productivity, the Bhubaneswar and Cuttack police departments have imposed restrictions on New Year celebrations. Parties in bars and clubs have been restricted after 12 am on January 1. This measure aims to ensure law and order during the festivities.
In a related religious-administrative decision, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration in Puri announced a change in ritual schedule. Contrary to the previous practice of keeping the deities "fully awake" past midnight on New Year, the temple will now close at 11 pm on December 31 and reopen at 2 am on January 1. This decision follows public concern over the tradition of allowing all-night darshan on New Year's Day.
Puri Gears Up for Devotee Influx
Anticipating a massive crowd of pilgrims and tourists, the Puri district administration has taken proactive steps. All leaves for government employees have been cancelled until January 4. Officials will be assigned special duties to manage the smooth flow of devotees and facilitate darshan at the Jagannath Temple.
A substantial police force has been deployed across the holy town to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of the thousands of expected visitors. These coordinated actions by the state government, from the Chief Minister's office to the district level, underscore a shift towards a more work-centric and orderly approach to the New Year period in Odisha.
