Central Idea

The Prime Minister has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai.

About Nuakhai

Nuakhai, also known as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakhai Bhetghat, is alternatively referred to as Navakhai Parv in Chhattisgarh.
Nuakhai is predominantly an agricultural festival celebrated by tribal communities and Hindus residing in Western Odisha.
It is also observed in the adjacent regions of Simdega in Jharkhand, where the cultural influence of Western Odisha is prominent.
Nuakhai is observed to mark the arrival of the new rice harvest.
The term “nua” signifies new, and “khai” represents food, symbolizing the farmers’ possession of the freshly harvested rice.
This festival falls on the panchami tithi (the fifth day) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August- September).
It occurs the day following the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Nuakhai traces its origins back to ancient times, with its roots in the Pralambana Yajna, which involves harvesting the first crop and making a reverential offering to the mother goddess.
In its present form, the festival is linked to the time of the first Chauhan King Ramai Deva of Patnagarh in western Odisha.

Nuakhai festivities encompass a series of nine rituals commencing with Behrana and culminating in Juhar Bhet.

Beheren: This marks the announcement of the scheduled meeting date.
Nuakhai: The highlight of the celebration involves partaking in the freshly harvested crop after offering it to the deity, accompanied by lively dancing and singing.
Juhar bhet: It involves seeking blessings from elders and exchanging gifts with them as a gesture of respect and affection.