Nuakhai festival in Western Odisha wallpaper, sand art, greetings
People in western districts of Odisha today celebrates ‘Nuakhai’ festival, which marks eating newly harvested rice, with religious fervour and gaiety.
On this day, people offer ‘Nabanna’ (new rice) out of newly harvested paddy crop to the deity amidst ‘Hulahuli’ (swaying of tongue generating a lilting sound by womenfolk), beating drums, cymbals and sounds of conch shells.
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After eating ‘Navanna’ bhog (offerings), people seek the blessings of the deity and then do so from elders in the family and locality which is called ‘Nuakhai Juhar’ in local parlance, a significant part of the festival. People also exchange greetings which is called ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’.
“The first rice was offered to Maa Samalai, according to the time fixed by the pandit. Goddess Samaleswari was draped in a new sari and was adorned with ornaments,” said priest of Samaleswari temple Ambika Prashad Ray.
Various delicacies are prepared from the new rice and exchanged with relatives and friends.
‘New’ being the theme of this festival, people use everything new on the occasion including new clothes, pot, basket, leaves and tray for which their preparation starts at least a month preceding the festivities.
Earlier, Nuakhai used to be observed on different days in various places. But since 1992, the festival has been observed on the same day throughout the state.
