Sundaragada: What began as a five-family celebration 14 years ago has grown into a village-wide tradition, with all 163 families of Jhurimal village in Lefripada block coming together to celebrate Nuakhai.
Nuakhai, the harvest festival of western Odisha, celebrates the new harvest and strengthens community bonds. In Jhurimal, the festival has evolved into a collective celebration that brings residents together regardless of caste, religion or social status.
The village street turned into a community kitchen as residents jointly prepared rice, dal, kheer, pitha and other traditional dishes for the entire village. Hundreds of villagers and guests from nearby areas shared the festive meal, while Hulahuli, Haribol and Sankirtan filled the air.
Following tradition, the first Nabanna prepared from the newly harvested paddy was offered to the village deity, Sankatmochan Bajrangbali. Families later offered the new harvest to their respective deities before joining the community feast.
Digambar Upadhyay, founder of Jhurimal Community Nuakhai, said the initiative was started by local youths amid social tensions that accompanied rapid industrialisation in the region. “A few youths of Jhurimal felt that our culture could become a powerful bridge to bring people together again,” he said.
“Today, after 14 years, all 163 families celebrate together as one family.” This year, women were invited to eat first under the message, “Those who feed us every day should be the first to eat today,” recognising their contribution to the family and community.
The feast was followed by Nuakhai Bhetghat, where villagers exchanged greetings and sought blessings from elders. Traditional competitions organised by voluntary organisation SEWAK drew participation from women, children and youths. Sundaragada MLA Jogesh Kumar Singh attended the event as chief guest.
Cultural performances by local artists and the Rumjhum Dance Group of Raurkela followed. The celebration was organised by the Jhurimal Community Nuakhai Committee, Jay Bajrang Club and Jhurimal Bana Surakshya Samiti with the support of villagers.