Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday greeted the people of Odisha to mark ‘Nuakhai’ harvest festival.
Describing Nuakhai as an ancient festival of Odisha, Modi wished prosperity and good health among people, mainly farmers through a message.
“Nuakhai Juhar! One of the most ancient festivals of Odisha, may this auspicious occasion further the spirit of prosperity, especially among our hardworking farmers. Praying for everyone’s good health and wellbeing,’’ Modi tweeted.
While Lal in a special message wished the people of the state happiness and prosperity, the chief minister extended wishes to the people by tweeting in Sambalpuri.
Wishing farmers happiness and prosperity on the occasion of the agrarian festival, the Governor called for transforming Odisha into an advance state in agriculture.
Patnaik prayed for the well-being of the people and wished smooth operations in agriculture, trade and business.
Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan greeted the people with ‘Nuakhai Juhar’ and hoped auspicious festival will bring good luck.
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik also made a sand sculpture on Puri beach to wish the people. People across western Odisha celebrated the festival with religious fervour, devotion and enthusiasm Tuesday.
The festival began with offering Nabanna, the newly harvested paddy, to Goddesses Samaleswari Devi in Sambalpur. Later, people offered Nabanna to their presiding deities.
A large number of devotees thronged the Samaleswari shrine to witness the traditional ceremony and seek her blessings, while cultural programmes were organised in different areas, which symbolizes harmony and brotherhood.
Goddess Samaleswari was adorned with new saree and ornaments, said Samaleswari temple priest Ambika Prashad Ray. People, attired in new clothes, celebrated the festival in their own houses, while the farmers worshiped the paddy fields. Special delicacies were prepared and offered to the family deity in every house before the family members sat together to savour the food.
PNN/Agencies