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| NAUKHIA |
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| Celebrated In
: Western Orissa |
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| Important
places of Observance : Sambalpur, Bolangir, Sundergarh, Kalahandi, Phulbani |
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| Falls in : The Bright half of the month of Bhadrab or Bhadra (August - September) |
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| In the month
of : March/April |
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Time For
The Festivity
The most important festival of western Orissa comprising the districts of Sambalpur,
Bolangir, Sundargarh, Kalahandi and some areas of Phulbani, is "Nuakhia".
Generally it takes place in the bright half of the month of 'Bhadrab' or 'Bhadra' on an
auspicious day fixed by the astrologers. In the ex-State areas the date is fixed according
to the instructions of the ruling Chiefs. |
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Main Ritual
The people in general eagerly look forward for the festival and preparation starts before
a fortnight. Most of the houses are cleaned, neatly plastered and decorated by the
housewives. On this occasion old and young, all wear new clothes. |
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| Though the
festival is intended for eating new rice of the year, it is observed as a general
festival. Meeting of friends and relatives, singing, dancing and merry-making are parts of
the festival. On this occasion the new rice is cooked with milk and sugar ('Kshiri') and
then offered as 'Bhog' to Goddess Laxmi. Then the eldest member of the family distributes
the same to other members. |
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