Nuakhai festival is celebrated on the Panchami Tithi (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Bhadrava. This falls exactly one day after Ganesh Chaturthi. The precise auspicious time, known as ‘Lagna’, for the main ritual is fixed by the priests (Pundits) of the presiding deity, usually Maa Samaleswari in Sambalpur.
Nuakhai festival 2025: date and Celebration, Rituals, food
Nuakhai, a name that resonates with the sound of new beginnings and the spirit of a rich agricultural heritage, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in the western part of Odisha and neighboring regions of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. In 2025, this vibrant harvest festival will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28, a day after Ganesh Chaturthi.
The name “Nuakhai” is derived from two words: “Nua” meaning new, and “Khai” meaning food. It’s a festival that literally translates to “eating the new rice” and marks the first consumption of the newly harvested paddy. For the agrarian communities, it’s a day of immense gratitude, a time to thank Mother Earth and the local deities for a bountiful harvest.‘Nuakhai Juhar‘ is the traditional greeting exchanged on this day. It is an act of respecting and wishing well to elders, relatives, and friends. Younger members of the family touch the feet of the elders to seek their blessings, an act called ‘Juhar Bhet’, which promotes social harmony.
The Significance of Nuakhai
Beyond its agricultural roots, Nuakhai is a powerful symbol of social harmony, unity, and family bonds. The festival is a time for people to come together, forget past grievances, and start afresh. The celebration is not just about rituals; it’s a reflection of the deep-rooted cultural values and community spirit of the region.
Traditional Rituals and Celebrations
The preparations for Nuakhai begin well in advance, and the festival itself is a culmination of nine sets of rituals, known as “Nua Khaiba Lagna,” or the auspicious moment for eating the new rice. The key rituals include:
- Beheren: The announcement of the date for the festival.
- Lagna Dekha: The precise time for the “Nua” (new rice) to be partaken is fixed.
- Daka Haka: Invitations are extended to elders and relatives.
- Juhar Bhet: This is a crucial tradition where younger family members touch the feet of their elders to seek blessings, and friends and relatives exchange greetings.
On the day of the festival, families wake up early, clean their homes, and prepare traditional delicacies. The most important ritual is the “Nabanna,” where the first grains of the newly harvested paddy are offered to the presiding deities, such as Maa Samaleswari in Sambalpur. Only after this offering, the family members partake in the “Nua.” The day is filled with feasting, traditional folk dances like Dalkhai and Rasarkeli, and cultural programs that showcase the vibrant heritage of Western Odisha.
For many, Nuakhai is a homecoming. People living in different cities and even abroad make it a point to return to their native villages to celebrate with their families, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on family ties and community bonding.
special foods for Nuakhai?
A: The food prepared uses the newly harvested rice and is a highlight of the festival. Popular delicacies include:
- Nabanna: Rice cooked from the new harvest, offered as Prasad.
- Arisa Pitha: Deep-fried sweet cakes made from rice flour and jaggery.
- Manda Pitha: Steamed dumplings stuffed with coconut and jaggery.
- Kheeri: Rice pudding made with milk and the new rice.
- Chakuli Pitha and various curries like Dalma (lentils with vegetables)
Nuakhai is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of life, labor, and the enduring connection between the people of Odisha and their land.
Nuakhai Festival FAQ
Nuakhai (or Nuakhai Juhar) is one of the most important harvest festivals celebrated in Western Odisha and surrounding areas. Here is a quick guide to all your questions about the 2025 celebration.
Q1. When is the Nuakhai festival celebrated in 2025?
A: The Nuakhai festival in 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Q2. How is the date of Nuakhai decided?
A: Nuakhai is celebrated on the Panchami Tithi (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Bhadrava. This falls exactly one day after Ganesh Chaturthi. The precise auspicious time, known as ‘Lagna’, for the main ritual is fixed by the priests (Pundits) of the presiding deity, usually Maa Samaleswari in Sambalpur.
Q3. What is the auspicious time (‘Lagna’) for the main ritual in 2025?
A: The auspicious time for offering the new harvest (Nabanna) to the presiding deity is fixed in a ceremony called ‘Lagna Dekha’. For 2025, the ritual offering is typically done in the morning at the specified time. (Note: The precise local Lagna is often announced by temple authorities closer to the date.)
