When it comes to Indian harvest festivals, Nuakhai stands out as one of the most unique. On August 28, 2025, leaders across India—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and BJP Vice President Baijayant (Jay) Panda—extended their heartfelt wishes to the people of Odisha and beyond.
Dubbed as “A Festival of Gratitude,” Nuakhai isn’t just a day of eating new rice; it’s a cultural celebration of community, farming, and thankfulness. Think of it as Thanksgiving, but with a desi twist—filled with prayers, food, family gatherings, and loads of cultural pride.
A Festival of Gratitude
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Nuakhai – “new food” harvest festival |
| Date in 2025 | August 28, 2025 |
| Leaders Who Wished | PM Modi, President Murmu, Jay Panda, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi, LO Leader Naveen Patnaik |
| Cultural Significance | Celebration of the first harvest; gratitude to farmers & nature |
| Similar to (USA Reference) | Thanksgiving in the United States |
| Official Reference | Odisha Government Website |
Nuakhai is more than just a harvest festival—it’s truly “A Festival of Gratitude.” With wishes from leaders like PM Modi, President Murmu, and Jay Panda, the 2025 celebrations reminded us that gratitude isn’t bound by borders. Whether in Odisha, New York, or anywhere else, the message is the same: respect nature, honor farmers, cherish family, and be thankful.
What is Nuakhai?
Nuakhai comes from two Odia words: “Nua” (new) and “Khai” (food). Traditionally celebrated in Western Odisha, it marks the offering of the season’s first harvested grain to the Goddess Maa Samalei before people eat it themselves.
Much like Americans celebrate Thanksgiving to show gratitude for the year’s blessings, Nuakhai is about thanking Mother Earth, farmers, and the community for sustenance. Families reunite, prepare feasts, and offer prayers in a way that feels very similar to a giant family cookout with deep spiritual undertones.
Why Leaders Across India Celebrate Nuakhai
Even though it’s regionally rooted in Odisha, Nuakhai’s spirit of gratitude resonates nationwide. Here’s how some of the country’s top leaders marked the day in 2025:
- President Droupadi Murmu called it a “sacred opportunity to express respect for agriculture and gratitude towards farmers.”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Wishing everyone a joyous Nuakhai… May there be good health, prosperity and happiness in every home.”
- Jay Panda, BJP Vice President, emphasized: “I pray to Maa Samalei for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of everyone. Jai Maa Samalei.”
These wishes underline how agriculture forms the backbone of India, where nearly 44% of the workforce is engaged in farming (World Bank, 2024). You can see why a festival honoring farmers hits home not only for Odisha but for the whole nation.
The Nuakhai Rituals – Step by Step
If you’ve never experienced Nuakhai, here’s a simplified guide to the day’s rituals:
Step 1: Nabanna (Harvest Offering)
The first crop is offered to Goddess Maa Samalei. Farmers bring freshly harvested rice to temples or home shrines.
Step 2: Nuakhai Juhar (Greetings)
Families and communities exchange warm greetings—much like saying “Happy Thanksgiving” or “Merry Christmas.” Elders bless the younger ones, and in turn, the young express respect.
Step 3: Feast and Festivities
Think of it as the Odia version of a Thanksgiving dinner. Foods like pakhala bhata, poda pitha, dalma, mutton curry, and sweets are shared with family, neighbors, and guests.
Step 4: Cultural Gatherings
Dances, folk songs, and storytelling dominate village squares. Some areas even host wrestling matches and fairs.
Step 5: Community Bonding
Beyond religion, it’s about unity. Friends, relatives, and even those living far away come home—like how millions of Americans travel during Thanksgiving week.
Nuakhai vs. Thanksgiving – A Friendly Comparison
| Aspect | Nuakhai (India) | Thanksgiving (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Monsoon harvest (August–September) | Fall harvest (November) |
| Main Ritual | Offering first harvest to Goddess & family prayers | Giving thanks to God/community blessings |
| Food | Rice dishes, dalma, sweets, meat | Turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie |
| Focus | Farmers, agriculture, nature worship | Gratitude for blessings & family time |
| Community Vibe | Folk songs, dances, fairs | NFL games, parades, family reunions |
Both festivals remind us to pause, be thankful, and celebrate togetherness.
Why Festivals Like Nuakhai Matter Today
In a fast-paced world where many of us spend more time online than outdoors, festivals like Nuakhai remind us of our roots. Here’s why it matters:
- Agriculture Awareness – With food insecurity affecting over 735 million people globally (FAO, 2023), recognizing farmers’ contributions is crucial.
- Mental Health Boost – Celebrations and community gatherings promote happiness and reduce isolation.
- Cultural Preservation – Nuakhai keeps alive Odia folk music, traditions, and values.
- Sustainability Lessons – The festival emphasizes natural cycles, gratitude, and sustainable farming.
Practical Tips: How You Can Celebrate Nuakhai (Even Outside Odisha)
You don’t need to be in Sambalpur to celebrate Nuakhai. Here are simple, practical steps:
- Cook a “New Grain Dish” – Try making rice-based dishes, similar to the Odia tradition.
- Express Gratitude – Like a Thanksgiving toast, go around the table and share one thing you’re thankful for.
- Support Farmers – Buy from local farmers’ markets or co-ops. Check USDA’s Local Food Directories.
- Share with Others – Invite friends, neighbors, or coworkers to join you for a meal.
- Explore Odia Culture – Learn a folk song or watch videos of Sambalpuri dance on Doordarshan.
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FAQs
1. What does “Nuakhai Juhar” mean?
It’s the traditional greeting during Nuakhai, meaning “Greetings on Nuakhai.”
2. Who celebrates Nuakhai?
Primarily people from Western Odisha, but Odias worldwide join in.
3. Is Nuakhai only religious?
No, it’s cultural too. It blends spiritual offerings with family gatherings and community bonding.
4. Why is Nuakhai compared to Thanksgiving?
Both festivals focus on gratitude, harvest, and togetherness. Nuakhai honors farmers, while Thanksgiving reflects blessings of the year.
5. How old is the festival?
Historians trace Nuakhai back to the 3rd century BCE, linked to agricultural cycles in ancient India.
