Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday declared an additional holiday in Bargarh, Sambalpur district and Sundargarh Sadar sub-division for the agrarian festival Nuakhai, scheduled to be celebrated on September 20.
The Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Northern Division, has issued a notification on the special local holiday on September 21, a day after the festival, in these districts.
Similar announcement was earlier made for Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada and Jharsuguda districts.
Nuakhai is celebrated with pomp and gaiety in several districts, including Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Boudh and Sonepur. It is observed on Panchami Tithi (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada or Bhadraba (August–September), the day after Ganesh Chaturthi.
This year, the first harvested crop, ‘Nabanna’, will be offered to the goddess in Sambalpur at the stipulated Lagna (auspicious moment) between between 10.27 am and 10.42 am.
Also Read: ‘Lagna’ For Nuakhai Festival In Western Odisha On Sept 20 Announced
Apart from the usual rituals, the celebrations of Nuakhai include wearing of new clothes, worshipping the presiding deity and having a sumptuous lunch with the entire family. Nuakhai Bhetghat’ is held the following day when people meet and greet each other with “Nuakhai Juhar”.
Oral tradition of this festival dates back to 12th century when it was celebrated by Chauvan Raja Ramai Deo at Patanagarh in Balangir district.
