Sambalpur, Aug 24: As Western Odisha prepares to celebrate its most cherished agrarian festival, Nuakhai, the new yield paddy of ‘Saria’ variety has arrived at the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur. This marks a key ritual ahead of the Nabanna (new rice) offering to the goddess.

The paddy was ceremonially brought by Subash Behera, a resident of Balbaspur village, and handed over to the temple’s chief priest. This freshly harvested grain will be used in the Nuakhai Lagna—the auspicious moment when the first crop is offered to Maa Samaleswari, symbolizing gratitude and prosperity.

Nuakhai, observed across Western Odisha, celebrates the bond between farmers and the land, and the arrival of the Saria paddy is considered a spiritual milestone in the festival’s preparations. The offering at Maa Samaleswari Temple sets the tone for similar rituals across households and local shrines in the region.

The official Nuakhai celebration is scheduled for August 28, with the sacred offering to take place between 10:33 AM and 10:55 AM, as finalised by the Brahmamandap Pandit Mahasabha.

The preparation begins two weeks before the actual beginning of the festival. This festival has 9 sets of rituals that start from Behrana to Nuakhai and all conclude in Juhar Bhet. Here are the nine colours in a sequential manner.

Beheren - This is the announcement of the meeting to be fixed on the date.

Lagna dekha -This is observed to fix an exact date for partaking in new rice.

Daka haka - Daka means to call or invite and this is the invitation. It’s an invitation.

Sapha sutura and lipa-puchha - This is all about cleanliness.

Kina bika -This is the purchase and sell of the rice harvest.

Nua dhan khuja -This is to find a new crop.

Bali paka -This is for offering prasad to the deity.

Nuakhai -This ritual is popular and it is observed to eat the new crop after offering it to the deity, followed by dancing and singing.

Juhar bhet - It is taking blessings on elderly people and sharing gifts with them.