Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to people celebrating Nuakhai Juhar, the annual harvest festival observed across western Odisha. The festival marks the arrival of the season’s new rice crop and honours the vital contribution of farmers.
PM Modi’s message reflected the spirit of togetherness associated with Nuakhai. He wished people harmony, prosperity and collective well-being.
The greeting carried the traditional wishes in the Odia script, adding a cultural touch to the message.
Nuakhai Juhar!
Warm greetings on Nuakhai, a festival that celebrates our farmers, the harvest and the spirit of togetherness.
May this special occasion strengthen bonds of harmony and bring happiness and prosperity in our society.
ନୂଆଁଖାଇ ଜୁହାର୍ !
ଆମ କୃଷକ, ଫସଲ ଏବଂ ଏକତାର…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 15, 2026
Nuakhai holds deep cultural significance for communities in western Odisha. The festival centres on Nua, meaning new, and Khai, meaning food. Families welcome the fresh harvest with customary rituals and religious observances.
As part of the tradition, devotees offer the first harvested grains to deities. Families then come together to share the new crop. Community celebrations often follow with elaborate feasts and gatherings.
The festival usually takes place around mid-September, following the agricultural cycle. It allows farming communities to express gratitude for the harvest while seeking blessings for prosperity in the coming year.
Nuakhai goes beyond an agricultural celebration. It strengthens familial bonds and reinforces community relationships.
People return to their roots, meet relatives and participate in shared cultural practices.
The festival’s emphasis on gratitude, unity and prosperity continues to connect generations. Its rituals preserve Odisha’s rich cultural heritage while keeping agricultural traditions at the heart of community life.
Prime Minister Modi’s greeting underlined these enduring values. His message celebrated the festival as an occasion that brings people together through faith, food, tradition and gratitude for the harvest.
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