Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: The agrarian festival of Nuakhai was celebrated on Thursday with great enthusiasm and cultural fervor across Western Odisha, as families gathered to offer the season’s first harvest to their presiding deities and partake in traditional feasts.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries conveyed their wishes, recognizing Nuakhai as a festival of hope, harmony, and agricultural pride.

In Sambalpur, the ritual offering of Nabanna (new rice) was performed at the shrine of Maa Samaleswari between 10:33 AM and 10:55 AM, as per the pre-determined auspicious timing. Following the temple rituals, residents across the district consumed the new harvest at home, symbolizing unity and gratitude. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Sambalpur MLA Jaynarayan Mishra and other leaders joined the celebrations and partook the Nabanna at the Samaleswari Temple.

Also Read: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Celebrates Nuakhai At Maa Samaleswari Temple

In Balangir, the royal family led the celebrations, with Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and former Minister Ananga Uday Singh Deo sharing the festive meal with their kin. In Boudh, devotees offered Nabanna to Maa Bhairavi and later dressed in new clothes to celebrate with family blessings.

Subarnapur saw vibrant festivities with homes adorned with sweets and delicacies. The Chand family of Mundoghat hosted a grand celebration, while Maheswari Sena distributed free meals to patients and attendants at local hospitals.

In Kalahandi’s Junagarh block, 51 members of the Kandhpan family gathered to uphold their ancestral traditions. Rourkela’s Hanuman Bhatika also witnessed communal celebrations, with offerings made to Maa Samaleswari followed by collective feasting.

From villages to cities, Nuakhai brought together people across generations, reaffirming cultural roots and community spirit. The festival continues to be a cornerstone of identity and pride for Western Odisha.

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