Odisha celebrates agrarian festival Nuakhai

• Odisha celebrated Nuakhai, a major agrarian festival on September 15.

• The festival, which is predominantly observed in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Deogarh and Sundergarh districts, was also celebrated in parts of Boudh and Angul.

• President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from Odisha, extended greetings to the people on the occasion.

• President Murmu witnessed a cultural programme at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre organised to celebrate Nuakhai. 

• The programme featured classical and folk dance performances from Odisha, including Odissi, Ghumura, Dhemsa, Lanjia Saura and Sambalpuri, showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the state.

• Murmu said Nuakhai was not merely a traditional festival but also a symbol of social and familial bonding through community feasts and reunions with friends.

• The word “Nuakhai” comes from two Odia words: “Nua” which means new and “khai” means food or eating.

• Nuakhai is traditionally observed as a thanksgiving for a good harvest, adequate rainfall and favourable weather conditions for agricultural activities. 

• The first crop from the fields is offered to the presiding deity as part of the celebrations.

• The head of each family worships the household deity and offers newly harvested rice and other food items before distributing the prasad among family members. 

• Families traditionally sit together for a meal after the rituals.

• Social organisations and community groups organise ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’ programmes in the evening, while cultural and other events are held in villages and towns to mark the occasion.