Low pressure induced rain likely to dampen Ganesh Puja, Nuakhai festivity in Odisha

Ganesh Puja and Nuakhai Festive cheer in Odisha may take a hit as heavy rain, triggered by a low-pressure system, is likely to continue across the state till August 27, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The system is currently active over the Gangetic West Bengal region and its adjoining areas, and is expected to move northwestwards towards Jharkhand within the next 24 hours. Under its influence, widespread rainfall has been lashing Odisha.

The IMD has issued a yellow warning for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda districts on Sunday, cautioning of heavy downpour. Additionally, 16 districts have been alerted for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speed of 30–40 kmph.

The department has further warned that some parts of the state may witness very heavy rainfall while several other areas could see moderate to heavy showers till August 27.

The weather office also advised the fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coasts and over the North Bay of Bengal.

Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted that a fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts around August 25.

With the downpour expected to intensify, celebrations of Ganesh Puja and the agrarian festival Nuakhai are likely to be dampened in many regions.