An occasional trip is a thrilling and rejuvenating escape from the toil-moil and hustle-bustle of your humdrum life. The favorite tourist spots often fail to give us the tranquility that we are in search of. Fortunately, there are still many spots where you can feel being with your inner self and with the divine entity. If you want to soak in newness, Sundargarh may be the right place for you.
Sundargarh is located in Orissa, one of the most prosperous cities in India. It was the capital city of princely State of Gangpur till 1948 and later made the district headquarter of Sundargarh district. Total population of the city is 40.000 (approx.).
Sundergarh is still a virgin place and not buzzing with the bustling activities of the city travelers from near and far of the globe. The most inviting festival of Sundargarh is Nuakhai or Nuankhai. It is an agricultural festivity observed in the tribes-dominated western part of Odissa to welcome the arrival of new rice of the season. However, the festival is holy for the upper-caste Hindus too. According to Hindu calendar, Nuakhai is celebrated on the fifth day (panchami tithi) of the lunar fortnight of the month Bhadra.
Nuakhai is popularly referred to as Nuakahi Bhetghat or Nuakhai Parab. Nua means new and khai refers to food. Together they mean new food that the farmers reap from the agricultural lands. This festival, held after Ganesha Chaturthi, has a greater significance for and influence on the farmers. Nuakhai signifies earning of material riches for the agricultural community and so is held with much energy and enthusiasm.
Airsha pitha is the must-make item during this festival. The specific time at which the festival is celebrated is known as lagan. When the lagan arrives, the farmers and their families offer prayer to the village god or goddess and then take their food (nua).
