Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: On the eve of Nuakhai, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of the state.
In a video message released on Wednesday, the former Chief Minister invoked the blessings of Maa Samaleswari, praying for happiness, prosperity, and peace in every household.
“On the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai, I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone. I pray to Maa Samaleswari to shower her divine blessings upon you and your families. May your lives be filled with happiness, prosperity, and peace. Jai Maa Samaleswari,” said Patnaik in his address delivered in the Sambalpuri language.
Nuakhai, regarded as the most significant agrarian festival of Western Odisha, symbolises the welcoming of the season’s newly harvested rice. It is observed on the Panchami Tithi (fifth day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), a day after Ganesh Chaturthi.
The festival holds deep cultural and social significance for the people of Western Odisha, with celebrations marked by rituals, traditional feasts, and community gatherings that strengthen social bonds and honour agricultural traditions.
