Nuakhai Celebrated Across Western Odisha as President and State Leaders Extend Greetings

Festival rites around first-crop offerings served as a platform for messages on farmers' welfare, food security, long-term development.

Overview

President Droupadi Murmu posted on X, calling Nuakhai a sacred opportunity to honor agriculture and express gratitude to farmers.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted customs such as Nuakhai Juhar, dance, pitha and pana, and urged dedication toward a developed Odisha by 2036 and India by 2047.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik conveyed Nuakhai wishes to residents of the state.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan linked the festival to farmers' prosperity and food security, offering prayers to Maa Samaleswari and Lord Jagannath.
Major observances took place at Maa Samaleswari in Sambalpur, Maa Pataneswari in Bolangir and Maa Manikeswari in Kalahandi, with the region marking a unified single-day celebration since 1991.