Sambalpur: With the arrival of the night, western Odisha is abuzz with the grand festival of Nuakhai. Preparations are in full swing, and both villages and towns have taken on a festive look. Nuakhai markets are bustling with activity as people flock to shop.
In Sambalpur city, special Nuakhai markets have been set up Wednesday from 7am to 10pm in several areas, including Golbazar, Bhalupali Square, Dhanupali Square, Gobindtola Badabazar, Mudipada Hatli, Lakshmi Talkies Square to Asha Pali School Road, the government bus stand, Kacheri Square, Remed, Maneswar, Dhanakauda, the old bus stand near Mudipada Square, VSS Marg, Charbati Square, Budharaja, Bhima Bhoi Nagar, Kamalibazar, Farm Road, the daily municipal market, Ainthapali to Kainsir, Khetrarajpur, and Ainthapali.
As per tradition, people throng Nuakhai markets to buy new utensils, clothes, and household items. The festive spirit is equally visible in villages, where roads and squares have been decorated with flowers and colourful paper ornaments. Residents have adorned their homes to make them more attractive.
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With the arrival of family members, both towns and villages are lively with celebration. Various organisations in the city have decorated venues to mark the festival. The stages and auditoriums, decked up for cultural programmes, await guests, artistes, and performers. Many people from the region who live outside have returned home with their families, drawn by the nostalgia and warmth of their roots.
