Agrarian festival Nuakhai celebrated across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sept 8: Western Odisha is abuzz with celebration as the region observes the much-anticipated agrarian festival of Nuakhai on Sunday. The festival, marked by its rich traditions and religious fervor, sees people across the region participating with great enthusiasm.

This morning, as part of the festivities, communities offered the freshly harvested ‘Nabanna’ (new rice) to their local deities at a designated auspicious time. In Sambalpur, the newly harvested rice was presented to Goddess Samaleswari between 9:12 am and 9:27 am, while in Bolangir, offerings were made to Goddess Pateneswari.

Following the ritual, families enjoyed a variety of dishes prepared from the new crop. A key tradition of the festival, ‘Nuakhai Juhar,’ involves exchanging greetings and blessings with friends and family, emphasizing wishes for longevity, happiness, and prosperity.

Many residents from towns have returned to their native villages in Western Odisha to partake in the celebrations. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and other officials are expected to visit Sambalpur for the festivities. CM Majhi will visit Goddess Samaleswari at 12:30 pm and participate in ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’ cultural events throughout the day.

Additionally, CM Majhi will launch the CM Kisan Yojana, a special initiative for farmers, at 4 pm today at Gangadhar Meher University in Sambalpur, along with inaugurating the scheme’s portal.