Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida extended their warm Nuakhai greetings to the people of Odisha, particularly the residents of Western Odisha.
Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted the significance of Nuakhai, describing it as the ‘very soul of our culture’ that brings families and communities together. He prayed for the blessings of Maa Samaleswari, seeking prosperity, peace, and happiness for every home.
Taking to his X handle, he wrote: “On this auspicious occasion of Nuakhai, I extend warm wishes to the people of Odisha, especially my brothers and sisters of Western Odisha. Nuakhai is not just a harvest festival—it is the very soul of our culture, where we bow before Maa Samaleswari and express gratitude for the first grains of the season. This sacred occasion binds families and communities together, reminding us of our agrarian heritage, timeless traditions and the spirit of togetherness. May Maa Samaleswari bless every home with prosperity, peace and happiness. May the festival of Nuakhai inspire us to nurture our roots while moving forward with unity and progress.”
In a heartfelt tweet, Minister Parida wished, “Let the new harvest fill everyone’s hearts with new enthusiasm. Wishing and congratulating all the people of Odisha on the occasion of the sacred Nuakhai. Nuakhai Juhar #Nuakhai #NuakhaiJuhar #NuakhaiFestival.”
In a video message, the Deputy CM Parida also emphasized the importance of the Nuakhai tradition, where people seek blessings from elders and bestow blessings upon younger ones. She also described Nuakhai as a festival of respect and enjoyment, praying for the blessings of various presiding deities of Goddess temples, including Maa Pataneswari, Samaleswari, Manikeswari, Maa Sureswari, Maa Sikharabasini, and Maa Bindhyabasini, for the well-being of Odisha people.
As part of the Nuakhai celebrations, new paddy was offered to Maa Samaleswari at the temple, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest season. The ritual, known as Nabanna, involves preparing rice and various traditional dishes like pitha and khiri, which are then offered to the deity.
Other prominent leaders, including Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik, also extended their Nuakhai greetings.
