Bhubaneswar, Sept. 15 (UDN): Greetings poured in from leaders across the political spectrum as western Odisha celebrated Nuakhai, the state’s iconic agrarian festival, with traditional rituals, family reunions and community festivities on Tuesday.
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From Sambalpur, Bargarh and Bolangir to Sundargarh, Kalahandi and Deogarh, villages and towns came alive with the sounds of bells, gongs and traditional instruments as households prepared to offer Nabanna, the first produce of the new harvest, to their presiding deities.
Following the morning rituals, families observed the age-old custom of sharing the new harvest together, with younger members seeking blessings from elders before joining relatives and neighbours for festive exchanges.
CM calls Nuakhai a symbol of unity
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended Nuakhai greetings to the people of Odisha, describing the festival as a reflection of the state’s agricultural heritage and social harmony.
In his message, the Chief Minister said Nuakhai represents the heartbeat of Odisha’s soil, culture and way of life, and urged people to celebrate the occasion by strengthening family ties, respecting elders and fostering brotherhood. He also appealed to students, youth, farmers, workers and soldiers to contribute towards building a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047.
Leaders highlight festival’s agricultural roots
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari described Nuakhai as a festival that honours farmers and the spirit of gratitude. He said offering the season’s first harvest to Maa Samaleswari reflects the community’s prayers for food security, peace and prosperity for everyone.
Kendrapara MP and BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda also conveyed his greetings, calling Nuakhai a celebration of Odisha’s agrarian, social and cultural traditions. He prayed to Maa Samaleswari for happiness, peace and prosperity in every household.
Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said Nuakhai has grown beyond western Odisha to become a festival embraced by the entire state. He wished for peace, development and brotherhood in the year ahead.
Tradition continues across western Odisha
As celebrations continued throughout the day, homes across western Odisha were filled with the aroma of traditional delicacies, including pitha, while families gathered to honour customs passed down through generations.
Nuakhai remains one of Odisha’s most significant cultural festivals, celebrating the bond between agriculture, faith and family through the ritual of offering and sharing the season’s first harvest.
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