Sambalpur: Entire western Odisha is celebrating the ‘Nuakhai’ festival with pomp and gaiety.
Traditionally, the festival is observed as the ‘Panchami Tithi’ a day after Ganesh Chaturthi.
On ‘Nuakhai’ new and fresh rice is offered to the presiding deities of different districts. Here in this district, the new rice or ‘nabanna’ is offered to ‘Maa Samalei’.
Similarly, ‘Maa Bhairabi’ in Boudh district, ‘Maa Samalei’ in Jharsuguda and Bargarh, ‘Maa Samalei’ and ‘Sikhar Bashini’ in Sundargarh, ‘Maa Patenswari’ in Bolangir district and ‘Maa Sureswari’ in Subarnapur district are to be offered ‘nabanna’.
The time for offering ‘nabanna lagi’ was fixed between 8.50am and 10.38am. Hence all the shrines witnessed a huge gathering of people, all in new clothes.
Those staying away from their families have returned home to celebrate Nuakhai. Hence railway stations, bus and autorickshaw stands witnessed huge crowds Monday.
Similarly, Gol Bazaar, Old Bus Stand near Mudipada square, Farm road, Kamali Bazaar, VSS Marg, Charbhati Square, Budharaja, Municipality daily market, Bhalupali Square, Ramed Market and Laxmi Talkies Square were filled to the brim as people thronged to buy new clothes, Monday.
‘Sindoor’ has been offered to 108 gods and goddesses on the premises of Maa Samalei temple. The ‘sindur’ ritual took place at midnight amidst sounds of gongs and blowing of conches.
The festival is synonymous with all kinds of merry making that propagates brotherhood. Cultural programmes and ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’ will take place at various parts of this district all throughout the day.
After the newly harvested rice is offered to the presiding deities, it is the tradition the elders distribute the fresh rice cooked in milk (payesh) and other traditional ingredients to the family members.
PNN