Bhubaneswar: The ‘Nabanna Lagna’ for Nuakhai, Western Odisha’s most popular agrarian festival, was finalised on Tuesday.
The Brahmapura Temple Pandit Mahasabha in Sambalpur has finalised Lagna for Nuakhai-2024. As per the decision, the Nabanha (newly harvested rice) will be offered to the Goddess Samalei between 9.12 AM and 09.27 AM on September 8.
As per tradition, the ‘Lagna’ is fixed by the Pandits on the day of Nandotsav. Nuakhai is celebrated on the ‘Panchami tithi’ of the Odia month of Bhadraba. The Nabanna will be offered to Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur during this time.
The agrarian festival holds a unique charm, bringing together all family members, regardless of their location, to celebrate together on this special day. As a sign of respect, youngsters seek the blessings of their elders, putting aside any differences.
During Nuakhai, people offer ‘Nabanna’ to the deity amidst lively sounds of drums, cymbals, and conch. After partaking in the ‘Nabanna’ bhog, individuals seek blessings from their elders and neighbours, a tradition referred to as ‘Nuakhai Juhar’.
The festivities also include exchanging warm greetings and merrymaking, aptly called ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’.
