Nuakhai Bhetghat: Odia Community Celebrates Harvest Festival of Western Odisha in Pune

Pune, 17th September 2024: The vibrant Nuakhai Bhetghat 2024 was celebrated with immense enthusiasm at Kalpatru Hall, University Road, Pune, on Sunday, 15th September. Attendees, dressed in colorful traditional Sambalpuri attire, gathered to commemorate this culturally rich agrarian festival that holds great significance for the residents of Odisha.

Nuakhai, an important festival in western Odisha, is rooted in agricultural traditions and reflects the region’s deep bond with nature, land, and crops. The word “Nuakhai” translates to “eating the new crop together,” symbolizing community spirit and gratitude for the harvest.

The celebrations kicked off at 10 am with a worship ceremony dedicated to Goddess Maa Samaleshwari. Attendees offered new grains brought from Odisha, followed by devotional bhajans performed by the women. The exchange of warm greetings filled the air with a sense of camaraderie, and the organizers took the opportunity to honor the guests present.

The event featured traditional dances, songs, and musical performances by both children and adults, creating a joyous atmosphere. The rhythmic beats of “Pancha Badya,” which included instruments such as the dhol, nishan, tasa, muhuri, and flute, resonated through the hall, courtesy of the Runu Jhunu Kalaparishad from Balangir. Special folk dances performed by Mrs. Prachi Panigrahi captivated the audience, who were soon seen joining in the festive rhythms of Sambalpuri music.

Adding to the cultural experience was the traditional Odia cuisine. The breakfast menu featured ‘biri bara,’ ‘ghuguni,’ and tea, while lunch offered an authentic spread of ‘kheeri,’ ‘puri,’ ‘rasgola,’ ‘kardi letha,’ ‘rice,’ ‘kankodo bhaja,’ ‘dal,’ and ‘potal kasa,’ tantalizing the taste buds of all in attendance.

Pune, notably, is the second city after New Delhi to celebrate Nuakhai outside Odisha, continuing a tradition that began in 2007. The event was organized and seamlessly executed by Nibedita, Bandita, Narendra, Umakanta, Benudhar, Swadhin, Naren, Pratyush, Krishna, Shibashis, Rabi, Dilip, and Saroj.

Attendees lauded the organizers for the successful celebration, which strengthened the bonds of love, friendship, and brotherhood within the Odia community in Pune. They also expressed a keen interest in celebrating other festivals of Odisha in the coming days, marking this as not just a festive occasion but a vital cultural connector for those away from their native land.