Odisha, Chhattisgarh Celebrates ‘2020 Nuakhai Juhar’, Agricultural Festival on August 23

Nukhai Juhar, an ancient festival which is also known as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat is celebrated on the fifth day of lunar fortnight of Bhadrabaa, to welcome the new crop of the season in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and other neighbouring states. Nuakhai is a combination of two words, Nua which means new and Khai which means eat. The 2020 Nuakhai Juhar was celebrated on 23rd August.

Note:

The traditional social gathering, Nuakhai Bhetghat, organised by the locals are restricted with the guidelines of maintaining social distance and procession of more than 5 people are prohibited.

Celebration of Nukhai Juhar:

i.The farmers offer the first produce of the season to the presiding deity, Goddess Samaleswari of Sambalpur, Odisha.

ii.The people worship food grains and prepare special meals with khiri, pitha and kakra. Cultural programmes like folk songs and dances will be organised to showcase the local culture and traditions of the state.

iii.Shyam Sundar Dhar Folklore researcher, mentioned that Nuakhai Juhar is extended for elders to bless the younger members of the family and for the people to wish the seniors of the locality.

About Odisha:

Tiger Reserve– Similipal Tiger Reserve, Satkosia Tiger Reserve,

Elephant Reserve– Sambalpur Elephant Reserve, Mahanadi Elephant Reserve, Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve