Odisha Schools Closed: On the occasion of the Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiatives (SAMALEI) project's inauguration in Sambalpur, the Odisha government announced January 27 as a holiday for all state schools and universities, as per media reports. As this is also the fourth Saturday of the month, government offices are also expected to be closed on this day. The decision was made in order to promote public involvement in the event.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to inaugurate the Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiatives (SAMALEI) on January 27. The inaugural rites started on January 22 and will be concluded on January 26 with a Kalash Yatra involving women from the city, with the water collected during the Yatra being used for the Goddess' holy bath.

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According to the media reports, launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on February 17, 2021, the SAMALEI project is a redevelopment plan for the shrine of Goddess Samaleswari in Sambalpur, with an estimated budget of Rs 200 crore. The state government reportedly invested about Rs 200 crore in this massive project.

The project also involves developing the shrine's periphery, building a heritage corridor, adding pilgrim amenities, enhancing temple accessibility, and developing the Mahanadi riverfront. The Samalei initiatives comprise the beautification and development of the Maa Samaleswari temple located in western Odisha.

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