Bhawanipatna: Biding adieu to Nuakhai festival, denizens of western Odisha yearned to relish non-vegetarian foods Saturday.
From towns to villages, Nuakhai which is celebrated with fervor and gaiety ends leaving non-vegetarian aroma in each and every house.
People were seen thronging to fish, mutton and chicken outlets to buy the key ingredient of their favorite dishes.
While price of mutton per kilogram was between Rs 500-600, country chicken was being sold at Rs 400 per kg.
“It is a perfect occasion to enjoy non-veg foods with family and friends. Though the prices are bit higher in comparison to those of normal days, people still go for it,” said a local resident of Kesinga block in Kalahandi district.
Nuakhai, being an agrarian festival, the eldest male member of each family in the rural pockets of the region worship the paddy fields, cattle and cattle sheds. Women, who play a vital role in Nuakhai celebration, woke up before dawn to get ready for the rituals which begins with drawing of ‘Jhuti’ in the houses. The latter half of the day is spent in the kitchen for preparing special delicacies like Moong Bara, Ras Bara, Suji Manda, Chaul Manda, Kakra Pitha and Kheeri.
On the occasion, Nuakhai bhetghat’ is being organised in the evening by different socio-cultural organisations where people exchange greetings with the traditional ‘Nuakhai Juhaar’.