Bhubaneswar: Nuakhai, the annual harvest festival in Odisha, particularly in the western part of the state, is a joyous celebration to welcome the season’s new rice.
Observed a day after Ganesh Chaturthi, Nuakhai is a significant festival that holds great importance in Western Odisha.
On this day, people offer Nabanna to the revered Goddess Maa Samaleswari, a ritual that is considered most auspicious. The Nabanna Arpana, or offering of the new harvest, will be performed between 9:47 am and 11:11 am, a time deemed sacred for this ritual, according to reports.
The name Nuakhai itself signifies the celebration of newly harvested food, with ‘nua’ meaning new and ‘khai’ meaning food. This festival is a time for families to come together, wear new clothes, offer prayers, and savor delicious dishes prepared from the freshly harvested crops. It’s a celebration deeply rooted in the agrarian traditions of the region, where agriculture is the primary occupation.
The Nuakhai ‘Lagna’ has been announced by the Raj Purohit, marking the beginning of the festivities. This lagna, calculated based on the Rashi Naxatra of Maa Patneswari, Maa Samaleswari, and the King of Patna in Balangir, is crucial for the observance of the festival. Every detail of the celebration is meticulously planned and conducted according to this lagna, underscoring the importance of tradition and heritage in the Nuakhai festivities.
As people gather to celebrate Nuakhai, it’s a time for reunion, gratitude, and thanksgiving to the divine for the bounty of the harvest. The festival embodies the spirit of community, tradition, and the joy of sharing the fruits of one’s labour.
Nuakhai is a vibrant celebration that weaves together cultural identity, social bonding, and gratitude. It’s a time when people don traditional attire, exchange warm greetings and gifts, and seek blessings from elders. Beyond its agricultural roots, Nuakhai serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s deep connection with nature, expressing heartfelt thanks to the divine for bountiful rainfall and a rich harvest.
