Bhubaneswar, June 17 -- With the arrival of the southwest Monsoon in Odisha and a significant drop in summer temperatures, schools across the State are set to reopen on June 18 as per the previously announced schedule.

The decision comes after weather conditions improved, providing relief from the intense heat that had affected normal academic activities in recent weeks.

Students will return to classrooms on Thursday, marking the beginning of the new academic phase after the summer break. However, a special holiday has been declared in Sambalpur district on June 20 in view of the renowned Sital Sasthi festival, one of the region's most celebrated cultural and religious events.

In addition to educational institutions, all government off...