Sambalpur, Aug 28: The sacred Nabanna (new rice) was offered to Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, marking the beginning of 'Nuakhai'- Western Odisha’s most cherished agrarian festival.

The ritual was performed during the designated shubha lagna (auspicious timimg) between 10:33 AM and 10:55 AM, as determined by the Brahmamandap Pandit Mahasabha.

The offering was prepared using freshly harvested Saria paddy at the residence of the temple’s chief priest, in accordance with tradition.

Following the Nabanna offering, elaborate puja rituals are underway at the temple, with devotees gathering to seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and a bountiful harvest.

The temple premises are filled with devotion and cultural vibrancy as families prepare to celebrate with traditional delicacies and ceremonial greetings known as Nuakhai Juhar.

Nuakhai is an agrarian festival of Western Odisha celebrated after the new paddy harvest.  "Nua" means new and "Khai" means food, signifying the consumption of new crops.

Also read: CM Majhi, Union Minister Pradhan Greet People On 'Nuakhai' Festival

The festival, held on the day after Ganesh Chaturthi in the lunar month of Bhadrapada (August-September), involves offering the first grains to deities, followed by a community feast and the ritual of "Nuakhai Juhar".