Bhubaneswar: On the eve of Nuakhai, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha.
In a video message released on Wednesday, the former Chief Minister invoked the blessings of Maa Samaleswari and wished for happiness, prosperity, and well-being for all.
“On the auspicious occasion of ‘Nuakhai,’ I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. I pray to ‘Maa Samaleswari’ to shower her divine blessings upon you and your families. May your lives be filled with happiness, prosperity, and peace. ‘Jai Maa Samaleswari,'” said Naveen Patnaik in a video message delivered in the Sambalpuri language.
Nuakhai, the most significant agrarian festival of Western Odisha, is celebrated to welcome the season’s new rice. It is observed on the Panchami Tithi (fifth day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), a day after Ganesh Chaturthi.
The festival holds immense cultural and social importance for the people of Western Odisha and is marked by rituals, community gatherings, and traditional celebrations.
