Nuakhai Festival Greetings by the Prime Minister – UPSC Current Affairs

The Prime Minister of India extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on the occasion of Nuakhai, one of the most important agrarian festivals of Western Odisha.

Key Highlights

• Occasion: Nuakhai is an agrarian festival celebrated a day after Ganesh Chaturthi, marking the harvest of new crops.

• PM’s Message: The Prime Minister wished prosperity, happiness, and well-being for farmers and families celebrating the festival.

• Cultural Significance:

  • Farmers offer the first produce (newly harvested rice) to the presiding deity, Maa Samaleswari.

  • Families gather to share the new harvest and strengthen social bonds.

  • The festival is also celebrated in parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and adjoining states.

Importance of Nuakhai

• Agricultural Heritage: Reflects India’s deep connection between culture and farming.

• Social Unity: Promotes community bonding and respect for nature.

• Regional Identity: A symbol of Western Odisha’s cultural identity.

UPSC Relevance

• Culture: Part of India’s rich agrarian festivals (like Onam, Pongal, Baisakhi).

• Society: Exam perspective on how festivals preserve community traditions.

• Current Affairs: PM’s greetings highlight its national recognition.

Possible UPSC Questions

1. Explain the cultural and agricultural significance of the Nuakhai festival.

2. Compare Nuakhai with other harvest festivals of India.