Sambalpur priests finalize auspicious timing for Nuakhai festival

The auspicious timing, or ‘lagna’, for Nuakhai, the traditional agrarian harvest festival of western Odisha, has been finalized. Priests and astrologers gathered at the Brahmapura Temple in Jhaduapada to determine the sacred schedule through astrological calculations involving the zodiac sign and constellation of the presiding deity, Maa Samaleswari.

Nuakhai will be observed on Tuesday, September 15, during the fifth lunar fortnight of the Bhadraba month. The first offering of newly harvested rice, known as Nabanna, to Maa Samaleswari is scheduled to take place between 9:40 am and 9:54 am during Tula Lagna and Vrishabha Navamsa.

Following tradition, devotees will consume the new harvest only after the ritual offering has been made to the deity. The announcement of the timing was marked by special prayers and a procession through Sambalpur, involving temple trust board members and various religious officials.