Delhi/Bhubaneswar, September 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of Nuakhai, an agricultural festival celebrated especially in western parts of Odisha.
He lauded the outstanding efforts of farmers and their role in nation building.
In a tweet, he said, “Nuakhai Juhar! Greetings to everyone on this auspicious occasion. On Nuakhai we laud the outstanding efforts of our industrious farmers and their role in nation building. I pray for everyone’s good health and well-being.”
Nuakhai festival is being observed in a religious fervour in 10 western Odisha districts after Nabanna (foods prepared from newly produced crops) was offered to Maa Sameleswari at Sambalpur
On the occasion, everyone from children to elderly ones wear new dresses. After Nabanna is offered to Maa Samaleshwari and subsequently community and family deities, people eat the Nabanna. It is estimated that over 1.5 crore people celebrate the festival in a great way amid religious fervour and serenity.
The festival bears much importance of its two next stages of observance called ‘Nuakhai Juhar’ and ‘Bhetghat’.
The festival is observed in Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Balangir, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, and Nuapada.
