Sambalpur, Odisha : The sacred Nuakhai Nabanna Festival began with grandeur at the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, marking the onset of the harvest season across western Odisha. Considered the most significant cultural festival of the region, Nuakhai unites farming families, artisans, and communities in a collective celebration of prosperity and gratitude.
The rituals started early on Thursday morning with the purification of the sanctum sanctorum and elaborate decoration of the temple. Maa Samaleswari was adorned with a new saree, flowers, and ornaments before the Nabanna bhog was prepared. At the auspicious moment of 10:33 am, priests offered freshly harvested rice, kheer, pitha, vegetables, and leafy greens as the first sacred offering to the Goddess.
As per age-old tradition, the offering came first from the households of three temple priests before being presented to Maa Samaleswari. Following this ritual, the temple doors were opened for devotees, who were allowed darshan of the deity. Although the Bhogmandap will remain closed to the general public for two days, devotees received kanika prasad symbolizing the blessings of the Goddess.
The day also saw the presence of prominent dignitaries including Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, MoS Finance Suresh Pujari, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik, and senior MLA Jaynarayan Mishra, along with several other political leaders and 29 national media representatives.
Beyond the temple rituals, Nuakhai carries immense social and cultural significance. Families across Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, Kalahandi, and other districts observe the festival by preparing special dishes from the new paddy harvest. Farmers conduct field puja, potters worship their wheels, and artisans offer prayers to their tools, symbolizing respect for livelihoods. Communities also organize Nuakhai Bhet-Ghat, social gatherings where people exchange greetings, cultural performances, and traditional dances.
Temple authorities prepared a grand feast of 12 dishes, including dal, paneer curry, seasonal vegetables, and sweet payas, highlighting the culinary richness of Odisha’s harvest culture. Meanwhile, social organizations and cultural groups have lined up events over the next few days, ensuring the festival spirit continues across towns and villages.
For people of western Odisha, Nuakhai is not just a religious festival but an expression of unity, gratitude, and identity, linking generations through tradition. With the first offering of new rice at Maa Samaleswari Temple, Nuakhai 2025 has begun, bringing joy, togetherness, and hope for a prosperous year ahead.
Also Read : Nuakhai Celebration 2025: Tradition, Culture, and First Harvest
