Nuakhai Celebrated Across Western Odisha

One of the biggest agriculture based festivals/celebrations of India; especially observed in Western Odisha(Kosalanchal) i,.e. Nuakhai was celebrated yesterday in all the villages and towns with much delight and vigour. The festival showcases the best glimpses of Samalpuri Kosli culture, language, folk songs and dances one in all. It also feches the taste of traditional food dishes and sweets of the area.
On the one hand it unites people of all communities, on the other it spreads bond of family and friends and kinship. People share their love and respect simultaneously for the youngers and the elders.
Maa Samalei is the deity Goddess, who is offered the first Bhog of the new crop, yet to be harvested. That is one of the most unique kind of cultural tradition in the country. In the first half of the day all the family members unite together to receive the NAVANNA(new rice) from the eldest person of the family. They offer pranaam to Maa Mahalaxmi and then to all their elders. The elders bless the youngers. In the afternoon all the villagers gather together and share Nuakhai Juhaar 💐 to all. Then occurs a stream of folk songs and dances, the Samalpuri traditional ones, popular worldwide,such as Rangabati, Dalkhai, Rasarkeli etc.
The second day of the festival is called Nuakhai Baasi and it is especially for nonveg food items in the platters of almost all the families.
Jay Maa Samalei 🪷