NUAKHAI, THE PREMIER FESTIVAL OF WESTERN ODISHA.

Nuakhai is one of the most important festivals in Western Odisha, where it is celebrated with great dedication and joy. Also referred to as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat the festival’s literal translation sums up to new food where nua means new and kNuaKhai, the premier festival of Western Odisha.hai means food.

The festival is often compared to Tamil Nadu’s Onam which is also a celebration of fresh harvest and is understandable, of massive significance for the agricultural community.

Things you must know about the festival.

1. Nuakhai generally falls during the months of August and September, where it is celebrated just a day after Ganesh Chaturthi.
2. Not just Western Odisha regions like Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Sundargarh, the festival is also celebrated across areas of Jharkhand.
3. Where the origins of the festival are said to date all the way back to the Vedic ages, the first records of its existence are believed to be from the 12th century when a certain Raja Ramai Deo saw agriculture as an important entity in maintaining the cohesiveness of a societal arrangement.
4. Nuakhai is said to be associated with nine primary colors which in turn are assigned to nine different rituals.