Bhubaneswar: The spirit of gratitude, togetherness and cultural pride came alive across western Odisha on Tuesday as people celebrated Nuakhai, the region’s premier agrarian festival, with traditional rituals, community feasts and family gatherings. The festival began with the ceremonial offering of Nua Dhan, the first harvest of the season, to presiding deities, particularly Maa Samaleswari, before households partook the newly-harvested crop.From Sambalpur and Bargarh to Balangir, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi and Nuapada, and the nearby regions, families gathered to observe age-old customs that have been passed down through generations. Thousands participated in collective celebrations organised by local communities, where people shared festive meals and exchanged greetings. One of the most cherished traditions of Nuakhai, known as Juhar Bhet, saw younger members seeking blessings from elders.Beyond its agricultural significance, Nuakhai remains a celebration of the cultural identity of Western Odisha, bringing together people across social and economic backgrounds in a shared expression of gratitude for nature’s bounty. A wave of greetings poured in from national and state leaders. President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from Odisha, described Nuakhai as a symbol of social and familial closeness and expressed hope that the festival would strengthen harmony and goodwill.Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on social media, stating that the festival celebrates farmers, the harvest and the spirit of togetherness, and prayed for happiness and prosperity. Union home minister Amit Shah also conveyed his greetings to the people of Odisha and posted his greetings on social media, saying that the festival deepens people’s connection with nature while promoting joy and unity.CM Mohan Charan Majhi also greeted the people on the occasion and prayed that the blessings of Maa Samaleswari bring all the happiness, peace and prosperity to every household. Several prominent leaders, including deputy chief minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Sambalpur MP and former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and BJD MLA Kalikesh Singh Deo, joined the celebrations at their native places and interacted with local residents.The festive mood extended beyond western Odisha. In Puri, internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik created an elaborate sand sculpture conveying Nuakhai greetings, drawing attention from tourists and devotees alike. For many residents, however, the festival’s essence lies in reconnecting with family and roots. “Nuakhai is not just about the new harvest. It is the day when every family member comes together regardless of where they live,” said Ramesh Meher of Sambalpur.While community feasts and household celebrations marked the day, the evening was filled with cultural programmes adorned with traditional music and folk dances that marked the Nuakhai Bhet Ghat.
