With the agrarian festival just a day away, families are completing last-minute preparations, markets are witnessing heavy shopping and Sambalpur’s Maa Samaleswari Temple is being readied for the traditional celebrations
GTNS , SEPTEMBER 14, 2026, SAMBALPUR: Western Odisha has entered the final countdown to Nuakhai, one of the region’s most important agrarian, religious and cultural festivals. With just a day left for the celebrations, the entire region is witnessing heightened activity as families, markets and temples prepare for the festival.
From villages to urban centres, the festive atmosphere is becoming increasingly visible. People are busy completing last-minute shopping, preparing traditional food items and making arrangements to celebrate the occasion with their families.
Markets across Western Odisha are witnessing increased footfall as people purchase new clothes, household requirements, Puja materials and ingredients needed for the festival. Families are also preparing to welcome relatives and loved ones who return home for the annual celebration.
MA SAMALESWARI TEMPLE PREPARES FOR THE FESTIVAL
In Sambalpur, special preparations are underway at the Maa Samaleswari Temple, the spiritual centre associated with the city’s presiding deity.
The temple premises have become an important focus of the pre-Nuakhai preparations. Various traditional and religious activities are being carried out ahead of the festival, creating a distinctly spiritual atmosphere.
As part of the preparations, sindoor was applied to the idols of various deities located in different parts of the temple complex. The traditional activity forms part of the preparations undertaken before the major festival.
GOLD AND SILVER ORNAMENTS BEING CLEANED
Special attention is also being given to the ceremonial ornaments of Maa Samaleswari.
The deity’s gold and silver ornaments are being cleaned and prepared ahead of the festival rituals. The preparation of these traditional ornaments is an important part of getting the temple ready for the special religious observances.
The temple preparations have added to the anticipation among devotees, with the festival bringing a renewed focus on the traditions associated with Maa Samaleswari and Sambalpur’s cultural identity.
NUAKHAI: A FESTIVAL ROOTED IN THE HARVEST
Nuakhai is deeply connected with the agricultural traditions of Western Odisha. At the heart of the festival is the offering of the newly harvested crop to the presiding deity before the new food is consumed by families.
The tradition reflects gratitude for the harvest and a close relationship between agriculture, nature and religious faith.
For farming communities in particular, Nuakhai carries a special emotional significance. The arrival of the new harvest is viewed as an occasion to thank the divine and seek blessings for prosperity, peace and a successful agricultural year ahead.
A FESTIVAL THAT BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER
Nuakhai is also one of the biggest occasions for family reunions in Western Odisha.
People living outside their native villages and towns often make efforts to return home during the festival. Families come together to share the traditional Nuakhai meal, elders bless younger members and relatives exchange greetings.
The celebration therefore extends beyond religious rituals. It strengthens family bonds and keeps generations connected with the cultural traditions of the region.
SAMBALPUR AT THE HEART OF THE CELEBRATIONS
Sambalpur occupies a special place in the Nuakhai tradition, with Maa Samaleswari holding a central position in the religious and cultural life of the city.
The preparations at the temple are consequently being closely watched by devotees and the wider community. The cleaning of the deity’s ornaments, preparation of the temple and traditional rituals all signal the arrival of the festival.
The atmosphere around Sambalpur is gradually shifting into full festive mode as people prepare for the important day.
FINAL COUNTDOWN UNDERWAY
With only a day remaining, preparations across Western Odisha have entered their final phase. Homes are being decorated and organised, markets remain busy and temples are completing arrangements for the traditional rituals.
For the people of Western Odisha, Nuakhai represents much more than the celebration of a new harvest. It brings together faith, agriculture, family, food, tradition and community identity.
As the region waits for the festival, the preparations at Maa Samaleswari Temple and the growing activity in markets across Western Odisha reflect the deep cultural importance of Nuakhai.
From the first harvest offering to family gatherings and temple rituals, Western Odisha is ready to welcome Nuakhai with devotion, tradition and a strong sense of community.