Nuakhai is a special festival whose name comes from the words 'Nua' meaning 'fresh' and 'Khai' meaning 'ripe'. This tradition has a great trässä for farmers and farmers or it is held to celebrate the new spring season. Despite the entire state, the districts of Balangir, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Bargarh, Sundargarh, Boudh, Jharsugudah and Nuapada celebrate the festival with great fervor and fervor. Nuakhai is celebrated a day after Ganesh Chaturthi on "Panchami tithi" which is the fifth day of the lunar month which normally falls in August and September. The date of the Nuakhai 2023 high tide is September 20.
Nuakhai Festival Information
Topic
| Information
|
Date
| 8th September 2024
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Festival Name
| Nuakhai Festival
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Meaning of Nuakhai
| The farmers have the freshly harvested rice in their possession
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Cultural Significance
| Harvest Festival
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Observances
| Western Odisha
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Begins
| Begins with Panchmi Tithi of Lunar Fortnight of Bhadrabahu
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Rituals
| There are 9 Rituals in this
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Regions Celebrated
| Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Balangir, Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Subarnapur, Bargarh, Boudh and Nuapad
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Traditions
| Sharing the new rice with family and friends after it has been offered to the gods
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Origin, History, & Significance of Nuakhai
The Nuakhai festival has its origins in the Vedic period when sages celebrated the five-year ceremony of the Panchajanya agricultural community. In general, harvest first and pay respects to the King Mother before being eaten by birds or animals. The Nuakhai oral tradition has its roots dating back to the 12th century AD. as this festival has become a symbol of Sambalpuri culture and heritage. Chauhan tribal chief Raja Ramai Deo of Bolangir district in western Odisha celebrated the Nuakhai Festival to encourage agriculture to generate income and boost the state's economy. Usually the village head or priest chose the date of Nuakhai, which later became the socio-religious district of Kosal under the auspices of the royal family.
Nuakhai became a festival of agricultural cult groups and founded the Hindu community in Odisha. This food is Odisha food and is believed to support the hope and fortune of its people. Therefore, a new harvest is also considered a happy thing, because farmers get the results of their labor after planting.
When is Nuakhai celebrated?
Nuakhai Juhar takes place every year between August and September. Every year, the timing of Nuakhai is determined astrologically on the day after Janmashtami at the Brahma Mandap Pandit Mahasabha at the Brahmaputra temple in Sambalpur district. Therefore, the Nuakhai festival 2013 is on September 20 in Odisha. Since agriculture is the main source of life in Odisha, this auspicious occasion gives thanks for abundant crops and rains, while promoting pride in cultivating, which is a symbol of life.
How is Nuakhai celebrated and where to go?
Nuakhai Juhar is an annual festival to welcome the new rice season. It is usually celebrated the day after Ganesh Chaturthi. Announce a gathering to celebrate a festival, set a day to bring new rice, invite, clean the house, buy something, look for a new harvest, offer the new harvest to God, eat Prasad; singing, dancing and finally celebrating the elders and exchanging gifts with relatives are part of the nine rituals following the Nuakhai celebration. Communication works that can teach “Nuakhai Bhetghat” and demonstrate Sambalpuri dance styles like Dalkhai, Sajani, Rasarkeli, Maelajada, Nachnia, Chutku Chuta and Bajnia or enjoy delicious food which is a special addition to the fun.In Sundergarh, the royal family worships goddess Sekharbasini in a temple that is open only during the Nuakhai Festival. Nuakhai expansion can also be found in southern Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, where Odia culture dominates. Additionally, the following religious places in Nuakhai can be reached through good connectivity with major cities around Odisha:
- Maa Manikeswari Temple, Kalahandi - Hundreds of devotees who take part in this Nuakhai ritual pray to the Bhawanipatna deity, Maa Manikeshwari.
- Kaleshwari Temple, Titlagarh - Maa Kaleswari is part of the Shakta cult and is worshiped with great devotion at this temple in Nuakhai.
- Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur - Samaleswari Temple in the Sambalpur area is famous for the Nabanna Lagi Nuakhai tradition.
- Sureswari Temple, Sonepur - Located in the temple town of Subarnapur in the Odisha region, Nuakhai is dedicated to one of the oldest shrines of Shakti, Maa Sursuri.
- Pataneswari Temple, Balangir - Located 40 km from Balangir, this ancient temple is the abode of the first deity Maa Pataneswari Chauhan Raja Rama Dev.
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In conclusion, The Nuakhai festival, a vibrant celebration of harvest and community, embodies the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of Western Odisha. Through its rituals, dances, and feasts, Nuakhai fosters a sense of unity and gratitude among the people, connecting them to their land and ancestors. This festival not only marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle but also reinforces the values of cooperation, respect for nature, and the importance of community bonds. As generations continue to celebrate Nuakhai, the festival remains a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural vitality of the region.