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.
Bhubaneswar: The ex-Inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Bhubaneswar's Bharatpur police station, currently in the eye of storm,…
Keonjhar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is on a three-day visit to his…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Saturday arrested Chief Construction Engineer, Rural Works Circle, Balasore, N V…
New Delhi: Scientists have developed a novel blood test that uses lipids to identify children…
New Delhi: Actor Parvin Dabas, who is known for ‘My Name Is Khan', ‘Ragini MMS…
Surat: In another alleged attempt to derail trains in the country, fish plates and keys…
Cuttack: In a shocking incident, a married man and a girl were found hanging from…
New Delhi: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) was left ”embarrassed” after a Chess Olympiad…