Kalahandi: The traditional Navanna ritual at the Maa Manikeswari shrine in Kalahandi will be observed on September 22, with the new harvest offering to the presiding deity scheduled between 8.20 am and 9.30 am during the auspicious period, according to the Kalahandi Rajbati.
As per the longstanding tradition, Navanna at the Maa Manikeswari shrine is observed on Dashami, unlike Nuakhai, which is celebrated on Panchami in western Odisha.
The Kalahandi Rajbati said devotees and members of the public will be allowed to consume the new rice offering between 10 am and noon on the day.
The Navanna ritual holds special significance in the erstwhile princely areas of Kalahandi. As part of the age-old tradition, the first produce of the harvest is offered to Maa Manikeswari before the new rice is consumed by the people.
The announcement comes days after the auspicious timing for the Nuakhai festival at Maa Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur was declared. In Sambalpur, Nabanna will be offered to Maa Samaleswari on September 15, marking the beginning of the Nuakhai celebrations.
