Nuakhai 2024: Auspicious Time for Nabanna Offering to Maa Samaleswari Fixed

Sambalpur: The auspicious time (‘lagna’) for offering ‘Nabanna’ (new rice) to Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, on Nuakhai was announced on Tuesday. The Brahmamandap Pandit Mahasabha of the Maa Samaleswari temple determined the ‘lagna’ based on calculations from the Odia almanac. Traditionally, this timing is finalised on Nanda Utsav, the day following Janmashtami.

According to the Mahasabha, the ‘Nabanna’ will be presented to the deity between 9:12 AM and 9:27 AM on September 8. This timing is crucial as it guides the people of Sambalpur and surrounding regions in their Nuakhai celebrations.

Nuakhai, an agrarian festival, marks the offering of the first harvest to Maa Samaleswari. Residents celebrate by wearing new clothes and offering prasad, typically comprising various cooked dishes. Although rooted in agricultural practices, Nuakhai has evolved into a widespread cultural celebration.

In rural areas, ‘Nuakhai Bhet Bhat’ (community gatherings) are held, where younger members seek blessings from elders with ‘Nuakhai Juhar’ (obeisance). The festival, predominantly observed in western Odisha districts like Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Balangir and Bargarh, falls on the 5th day of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadraba, as per the Odia calendar. It signifies the onset of the harvest season and signifies the importance of agriculture in the region.