Sambalpur: The most revered event of Nuakhai celebrations – Nabanna Lagi to Maa Samaleswari has been performed with pomp and gaiety today morning. As per tradition, the Nabanna Lagi was performed to Maa Samaleswari in Sambalpur from 10.27 am.
Keeping with traditions, the servitors offered Nabanna or newly harvested rice to Maa Samaleswari – the presiding deity of Sambalpur. Before Nabanna lagi, temple servitors performed Bisesh Gupta Puja or secret rituals. The ‘Parswa Devi Devatas were also offered the Nabanna. This marked the beginning of the Nuakhai festival.
Thousands of people gathered in temples today in all western Odisha districts of Kalahandi, Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Sundargarh, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Subarnapur and Boudh to offer Nabanna to the deities. The celebration is marked with all family members gathering at one place and celebrating the Nuakhai.