Nuakhai: Odisha Celebrates the New Harvest

Nuakhai is an ancient agricultural festival primarily observed by the people of Western Odisha in India. The word Nuakhai comprises of two words, Nua means New and Khai means food. So, as per the name the festival is celebrated in the joy of newly harvested crop by the farmers. Every year, it is observed on the day after the Ganesh Chaturthi, mostly in the month of August or September.

The celebration of new harvest traces back to Vedic period where the sages or Rishimunis used to preach about Panchyajna, the five important events in the agrarian yearly calendar. These five major events or activities include Sitayajna which means plowing of the land, Pravapana yajna which refers to sowing of seeds, Pralambana yajna which indicates beginning of crops cutting, Khala yajna which means harvesting of grains and Prayayana yajna which refers the preservation of the yield.

Out of these five activities, Pralambana yajna, which means the cutting of new crops and offering the first harvest of the year to the mother goddess, what we call, celebrate and rejoice as Nuakhai festival.

The Western part of Odisha celebrates this auspicious festival with much pump and jubilation. People wear new clothes and offer prayers to the God and enjoy delicious foods prepared from the newly harvested crops.

Although the festival lost its significance over the period, the tradition was much encouraged in 12th century A.D. by the then king Chauvan Raja Ramai Deo of Patanagarh, currently known as Bolangir district of Odisha. The king was aware of the significance and contribution of agriculture towards the development of economy of a state. Hence, the celebration of Nuakhai symbolizes and promoted the farmers way of life in the Western Odisha region.

Nuakhai Festival gives the new generation a great message regarding the significance of agriculture in the economic development of the country and the role of farmers in the process of building a nation. Therefore, even the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the people of Odisha on the occasion of Nuakhai.

“Nuakhai Juhar! Greetings to the people of Odisha as they celebrate the festival of Nuakhai. May this festival further happiness in society,” the Prime Minister said.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2019