Today, West Odisha saw lively celebrations as devotees gathered at Dulukuchi temple for the Nua Khai festival. This ancient ritual involves offering the first grain harvest to the East Goddess. No one eats the rice until it has been presented to the goddess. Farmers harvest their crops early, offering the grain to the deities before it fully ripens. They pray for protection from food shortages and prosperity for the community.
At Maa Samaleswari temple, the first auspicious time for the offering was from 9:12 am to 9:27 am. Devotees also presented the harvest to Dekadevi. In Balangir, the Nua Khai ritual took place at the designated time as well.
Large crowds of devotees gathered at both temples. They participated in prayers and received Prasad after worshiping the deities. The Nua Khai festival began with great joy in West Odisha, bringing happiness to the entire region.
During the celebration, families wear new clothes and prepare fresh meals using the first harvest. Younger family members seek blessings from elders. The whole family gathers for a meal, symbolizing unity and prosperity. Many people living abroad return home to join the Nua Khai festivities, making it a time for family reunion and a new beginning.