Sambalpur, Sept 15: On the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai, the sacred offering of Nabanna was made to Maa Samalei at the revered Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur district.
The first harvest of the year was prepared as an offering and presented before the deity. Following this, Nabanna was also offered to the other presiding deities associated with the shrine.
After the offering is made to the family’s Ishta Devi or presiding deity, family members sit together to consume the new rice. People who live and work in distant places have returned home to celebrate the festival with their families.
Wearing new clothes, families have gathered together to partake in the Nabanna. Homes have been filled with the aroma of various traditional pitha and other delicacies, adding to the festive spirit.
The sound of ghanta, ghanti and traditional Panchabadya has reverberated across villages and towns, while cultural programmes featuring music and dance have added colour to the celebrations.
Nuakhai is also a time to seek the blessings of elders. Family members offer their respects to senior members and receive their blessings. Relatives, friends and loved ones meet each other and exchange greetings and good wishes.
One of the major highlights of the festival is ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’. People meet relatives, friends and members of their communities to exchange Nuakhai greetings and strengthen social bonds.
The festival transcends caste, religion and political affiliations, carrying a message of brotherhood, unity and togetherness. Beyond celebrating the new harvest, Nuakhai continues to bring families and communities closer and preserve the rich cultural traditions of Western Odisha.
