The Indian Prime Minister recently extended his greetings to the farming community on the auspicious occasion of Nuakhai Juhar, which took place on the 23rd of August, 2020. But what exactly is this agriculturally focused festival and how is it celebrated? This article delves into the key points about Nuakhai Juhar, its origins, significance and festive activities.
Nuakhai Juhar: An Introduction
Nuakhai Juhar, alternatively referred to as Nuakhai Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat, is an agricultural festival celebrated to mark the arrival of the new crop of the season. The term Nuakhai merges two words; ‘nua’, which translates to ‘new’, and ‘khai’ meaning ‘eat’. Essentially, the festival embodies the act of partaking in the new harvest, specifically rice. This cultural event is most commonly celebrated in Western Odisha, Southern Chhattisgarh and the neighbouring regions of Simdega in Jharkhand. An equivalent coastal version of this celebration, known as Nabanna, is also observed in Coastal Odisha.
Timing of Nuakhai Juhar
Traditionally, the festival is held on the fifth day (panchami tithi) of the lunar fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, corresponding to late August or early September. This is a day after the well-known Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The exact time of the day to commemorate the festival, known as Lagan, is determined based on astrological considerations.
Festival Celebrations: Honouring the Mother Goddess
During Nuakhai Juhar, farmers pay their respects to the Goddess Samaleswari, often called the ‘Mother Goddess’, who is particularly venerated in the Sambalpur district of Odisha. In a show of reverence and gratitude, the farmers present the first produce from their fields to the deity. This significant offering is accompanied by traditional Sambalpuri dance performances, including the Rasarkeli and Dalkhai.
The Roots of Nuakhai Juhar
Nuakhai Juhar is thought to have been heavily influenced by the tribal communities of Western Odisha, as evident from elements of tribal origin in the festival preparations and rituals. The inception of the festival can be traced back to the Vedic period in Panchyajna. Here, it is connected to the Pralambana yajna, which involves harvesting new crops and making an offering to the Mother Goddess. The oral tradition associated with this celebratory event reportedly dates back to the 12th century A.D., when it was celebrated by Chauvan Raja Ramai Deo in the Bolangir district of Odisha.
Overall, Nuakhai Juhar serves as a potent reminder of India’s agricultural traditions, encapsulating the country’s deep respect for farming practices and the priceless harvest they yield.
