Sambalpur: The Lagna (auspicious time) of ‘Nabanna Lagi’ (newly harvested rice) ritual of western Odisha’s famous agrarian festival Nuakhai has been finalized.
The ‘Lagna’ for offering new rice to Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur district, has been set for September 3 between 10:05 am to 10:20 am.
As per the Odia almanac, it is the fifth day of lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadraba.
Keeping the age old tradition, the priests and pundits assembled at Brahmapura temple at Jhaduapada Saturday, a day after Janmastami to decide the auspicious time of the ritual.
During the period, households of the district will offer ‘Navanna’ to their presiding deity and Goddess Laxmi as a mark of gratitude for a bumper harvest, good rain and favourable weather for farming.