Nuakhai is one of the popular festivals of Odisha. The term ‘nua’ means new, and ‘khai’ translates to food, meaning the festival celebrates the annual harvest. It is all about welcoming the new rice of the season. Generally, it is celebrated one day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Nuakhai is quite a popular occasion in Western Odisha and its neighbouring areas like Jharkhand, etc. Continue reading to know more about Nuakhai 2025, its date, timings, significance, rituals, and more. 

The Nuakhai festival has its history tracing back to ancient times. Its origin is related to the several yajnas performed during the Vedic era. For instance, in Panchyajna, Pralambhana yajna, where sages are asked to cut new crops and offer the same to the mother goddess, a similar pattern is followed in the Nuakhai festival. 

History also reveals that the Nuakhai celebration was encouraged by Chauvan Raja Ramai, who emphasised agriculture for economic development. Therefore, the Nuakhai celebration encouraged the agrarian people living in Western Odisha. 

Here are more details on the Nuakhai 2025 date and time. 

• In 2025, Nuakhai will be celebrated on 28th August, 2025. 

• The specific lagan or timings will be announced closer to the date. 

• Nuakhai 2025 is going to be celebrated on the ‘panchan tithi’ as per the lunar calendar.  

Nuakhai is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Western Odisha and other nearby regions like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, etc. You may find the Odia farming communities in these regions. Some districts to experience the Nuakhai festival 2025 in Odisha are the districts of Sambalpur, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Sonepur, Nuapada, and more. A large number of tribal people live in these areas, making them a great place to experience the festival, its rituals, and culture. 

The Nuakhai festival is mainly associated with agrarian culture. Here is how the festival is celebrated with its popular rituals. 

• Preparations for the Nuakhai festival start around 15 days or 2 weeks in advance. 

• Nuakhai is believed to have nine colours. Result? Nine rituals are performed. Behrana marks the start of the Nuakhai, and then finally, all of the rituals culminate in Juhar Bhet. 

• Behran is related to the announcement of a meeting to set a date for the festival. 

• Then comes Lagna Dekha, where the exact date for the rice partaking is fixed. 

• Daka Haka is the third ritual that is related to invitations offered to elders, neighbours, etc. 

• Next are the rituals of Sapha-sutura and lipa-puchha, which involve the cleaning. 

• Then comes the Kina Bika that is being purchased. 

• After that, there is a ritual of Nua Dhan Khuja where individuals look for the new crops. 

• Then in the list is Bali Paka, which is related to the Nuakhai final resolution, where prasad is offered to the deity. 

• The Nuakhai ritual is eating the prasad of new crops. Meals are shared, followed by folk songs, dance and other cultural performances. 

• The final ritual is Juhar Bhet, where respect is given to elders and gifts are exchanged. 

The Nuakhai Festival Juhar has great cultural significance. 

• It is about gratitude, heritage, and unity.

• On this occasion, people meet, sort out their differences, and start afresh. 

• Also, on the Nuakhai evening, individuals seek the blessings of elders and wish for happiness, a good life, and more. 

Planning to experience the Nuakhai festivities? Well, here are some popular places to visit during Nuakhai 2025 to experience its grandeur. 

• Sambalpur  

Sambalpur is one of the cultural hubs in Odisha. You may visit it to witness grand celebrations. Plus, there are other attractions like Hirakud Dam, Samaleshwari temple, and more. 

• Bargarh

If you're looking for a more local, rural type of festivities to tap into, then you may consider visiting Bargarh. Here, you may also explore Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimkhoj Temple, etc. 

• Hirakud Dam

Say you're visiting Sambalpur and want to go for a quick escape, then consider exploring Hirakud Dam. It has the natural beauty to offer you a sense of peace and calm. 

• Kalahandi 

Kalahandi is another popular district you may consider visiting to experience the Nuakhai festivities in 2025. There are several waterfalls and historical sites you may visit here. 

• Sonepur

Sonepur is famous for local culture, folk dances and festivities.