Online Sambalpur Team wishes each and everyone a very Happy Nuakhai

Sambalpur: Today all the people of Western Odisha will be celebrating Nuakhai, which stands as a significant agricultural festival deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Odisha. This joyous occasion marks the arrival of the freshly harvested rice of the season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Nuakhai is traditionally observed on the fifth day, known as Panchami tithi, of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada or Bhadraba, typically falling in August or September. This auspicious day follows the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and is of paramount importance, particularly in Western Odisha and neighboring regions like Simdega in Jharkhand, where Odia culture holds sway.

The term “Nuakhai” is derived from the Odia language, where “nua” means “new,” and “khai” signifies “food.” Thus, the festival’s name signifies the moment when farmers proudly possess the newly harvested rice, symbolizing a fresh beginning and a ray of hope. Nuakhai holds profound significance for the farming and agricultural community, embodying their connection with the land and nature. A crucial part of the celebration is the “lagan,” a specific time of the day when the festivities commence. It involves the preparation of a special dish called “Arsaa pithaa” which is central to the Nuakhai celebration.

Nuakhai also encompasses a series of customs associated with nine colors or rituals, each linked to specific rituals that precede the main day of celebration.