Sambalpur, Sept 18: Odisha will be celebrating Nuakhai on September 20, which is also known as Nuankhai, 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. These include:
1.Beheren (announcement of a meeting to set the date)
2.Lagna dekha (setting the exact date for partaking of new rice)
3.Daka haka (invitation)
4.Sapha sutura and lipa puchha (cleanliness)
5.Ghina bika (purchasing)
6.Nua dhan khuja (looking for the new crop)
7.The Prasad (the offering) to the deity
8.Nuakhai (eating the new crop as Prasad after offering it to the deity, followed by dancing and singing)
9.Juhar bhet (respect to elders & gift transfers)
Nuakhai's date used to vary in ancient times, but since 1991, it has been fixed on Bhadraba Sukla Panchami Thithi according to the Hindu calendar. On this day, people worship Goddess Laxmi and adorn themselves in new and traditional attire. Elders of the family offer the freshly harvested rice, known as "Nua," to the deity, followed by its distribution among family members. Blessings are sought from elders for happiness and prosperity. The afternoon sees warm greetings exchanged among relatives and friends, accompanied by traditional Sambalpuri dances like Rasakeli, Dalkhai, Maelajada, Sajani, and more. Even those who have migrated to other states of India maintain the rich traditions of Nuakhai, highlighting its cultural significance. In essence, Nuakhai embodies the essence of Sambalpuri culture and serves as a reminder of the paramount role of agriculture in the lives of Odisha's people.
