"Nuakhai"
— as the name suggests, Nua means
“new” and Khāi means “food.”
Thus, the Nuakhai festival is the celebration of newly harvested food by the
farming community. Observed a day after Ganesh Chaturthi, it is celebrated with
great enthusiasm and joy, especially in the western part of Odisha. People who
live far from their hometowns return to their native villages, wear new
clothes, offer prayers before the deity, and partake in delicious dishes
prepared from the freshly harvested crop.
The roots of Nuakhai can be traced back to
the Vedic period, when sages spoke of the Panch
Yajnas (five great offerings). One of them was the Pralambana Yajna, which meant the cutting of
the new crop and offering it to the Goddess — a tradition mirrored in the
Nuakhai festival.
Although its significance has diminished over centuries, the oral tradition of Nuakhai is believed to date back to the 12th century CE, when it was celebrated in Patnagarh by King Ramai Deo — a region now known as Bolangir district in Odisha. The king understood the importance of agriculture for the economic prosperity of the state, and thus, the celebration of Nuakhai shifted the focus of life in Western Odisha from hunting and gathering to a settled agricultural lifestyle.
The Nuakhai Mahotsav sends a timeless message to modern society — reminding us of the relevance of agriculture in the economic progress of the nation, and the role of farmers, both in the past and present, in the building of a country. Therefore, the growth of farmers must be seen as the key to the nation’s development.
Preparations for the festival begin almost two weeks before the actual day. It is believed that Nuakhai has nine ceremonial stages (Naba Rang), which are observed sequentially from Behrana to Nuakhai and conclude with Juhar Bhet. These include:
Behrana – Announcement of the meeting to set the date.
Lagna Dekha – Determining the precise date for partaking in the new crop.
Daka Haka – Sending invitations.
Safa Sutra and Lipa Pucha – Cleaning and decorating homes.
Kina Bika – Festive shopping.
Nua Dhan Khujā – Procuring the new harvest.
Bali Paka – The final resolve to celebrate Nuakhai by preparing offerings to the deity.
Nuakhai – Offering the new crop to the deity and then partaking in it as Prasad, followed by singing and dancing.
Juhar Bhet – Paying respects to elders, exchanging greetings, and offering gifts.
Nuakhai Juhar, the exchange of greetings among friends, relatives, and well-wishers, symbolizes unity. It is an opportunity to overcome differences and renew relationships. On the evening of Nuakhai, people visit each other’s homes, exchange greetings, and seek blessings from elders for long life, happiness, and prosperity. Even estranged brothers come together to celebrate under the same roof. The festival not only highlights agricultural relevance but also fosters harmony, brotherhood, and social bonding.
The occasion is also marked by vibrant cultural programs — folk songs, dances, and performances that showcase the colors of local tradition. Over time, Nuakhai has gained recognition beyond Odisha, as people from Western Odisha living across India celebrate it, keeping their folk culture and heritage alive.
Nuakhai is counted among the grand festivals of Odisha, a land famous for celebrating “13 festivals in 12 months” (Bāra Masare Tera Parba).
On this sacred and auspicious occasion, heartfelt wishes are extended to all. Let us pray before Maa Samaleswari — the revered Goddess of Sambalpur — to bless everyone with peace, prosperity, and harmony.
Nuakhai Juhar!"
