Sambalpur, : Western Odisha began observing agrarian festival ‘Nuakhai’ with a traditional fervor on Saturday.The festival is being observed as per the scheduled lagna from the very morning.
As one of the prime rituals the Nuakhai ‘Nabanna’ has been offered to Maa Samalei(Samaleswari) in the Samaleswari Tample at Sambalpur town this morning. Servitors offered the Nabanna, a pudding prepared from newly harvested paddy, was offered at about 8.14 am.
As per tradition, people have began conducting puja and offering Nabanna to the goddess in their respective houses after the Nabanna was offered to Maa Samaleswari. After eating Nabanna, people would observe Juhar Bhetghat (juniors offer Pranam to seniors and then they embrace each other as a mark of respect and affection).
Nuakhai is one of the community festivals in the Western Odisha. During the occasion, people staying outside of the state come to their houses to observe the festival. They get gathered in families on this occasion.
Apart from Nabanna, various kinds of typical cakes and sweets are offered to deities in houses. Cultural programmes are also held during afternoon hours.
However,on this occasion, people pray to Maa Samaleswari for good harvest and prosperity.
