Bhubaneswar: Western Odisha is in a celebratory mode. It’s Nuakhai time and people are home to add fervour to the festivities.
President Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Thursday greeted the people on the occasion of ‘Nuakhai’, the vibrant agrarian festival celebrated predominantly in the western districts of the state,
Murmu, who hails from Odisha, extended her heartfelt greetings of Nuakhai to all Indians, especially the people of Odisha. “On the occasion of the agriculture-based Nuakhai festival, heartfelt congratulations to all countrymen from my side, especially to the people of Odisha. This festival is a sacred opportunity to express respect for agriculture and gratitude towards farmers. It is a symbol of goodwill and intimacy. My best wishes are that Nuakhai fills everyone’s life with happiness, peace, and prosperity,” the President said in a post on X.
Taking to his X handle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: “This popular festival reminds us of our deep gratitude to the farmers, whose hard work sustains us all. May every home be filled with good health, prosperity, and happiness.”
The Governor in a post on X said: “My heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of the mass festival #Nuakhai of Western Odisha. May everyone’s life be filled with happiness and prosperity by the blessings of Mother Samlei.”
In his greetings to the people of the state, Majhi described Nuakhai as a symbol of the glorious agrarian culture and tradition of Odisha. “May this festival bring new hopes, happiness, peace, and prosperity into everyone’s lives,” he said in a video message.
Deputy CM KV Singh Deo, who hails from weatern Odisha, also extended warm wishes to the people of Odisha. “Nuakhai is not just a harvest festival—it is the very soul of our culture, where we bow before Maa Samaleswari and express gratitude for the first grains of the season. This sacred occasion binds families and communities together, reminding us of our agrarian heritage, timeless traditions and the spirit of togetherness. May Maa Samaleswari bless every home with prosperity, peace and happiness. May the festival of Nuakhai inspire us to nurture our roots while moving forward with unity and progress,” he wrote on X.
THE FESTIVAL
Nuakhai is observed on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight of the Hindu month Bhadrapada. The festivities begin with the offering of Nabanna (the first harvest of the season), which was scheduled between 10.33 am and 10.55 am.
Following this, people across all districts of western Odisha offer Nabanna to their local deities.
Two days prior to Nuakhai, every market place becomes inundated with customers eager to purchase vegetables, groceries, earthen pots, sweets, new rice, leaf plates, and other necessary materials for the rituals. In Sambalpur city, special Nuakhai markets were set up from 7am to 10pm on Wednesday in several areas, including Golbazar, Bhalupali Square, Dhanupali Square, Ainthapali to Kainsir, Khetrarajpur, and Ainthapali.
The preparations begin with cleaning the house and adorning it with a fresh coat of paint.
Nuakhai Bhetghat is also organised by various social groups to cherish the cultural heritage of western Odisha. Dressed in their best attire, people also perform Rasarkeli and Dalkhai dances to the tunes of popular Sambalpuri songs.
The Odisha government has announced an additional holiday on August 29 to allow citizens—many of whom travel home for the occasion—to return to their workplaces comfortably. Majhi also disbursed Rs 1,041 crore under the CM-Kisan scheme for the 2025–26 Rabi season, benefiting over 51 lakh farmer families in the state.