Mumbai: The odia community of Mumbai along with “Juhar Mumbai” team recently celebrated “Nuakhai Bhet 2019” festival with pomp and show in Mumbai. The celebration included cultural performances along with day-long Nuakhai feast (Bhuji) amid music and typical Sambalpuria culture. The event took place on September 21, 2019 at Palava City here.
The festival began with worship of the prime deity of Sambalpur, Maa Samleswari. Participants worshiped and offered new crop (called as Nuachara) to the Goddess. The seedlings were then given away to the participants present on this occasion.
In this day-long celebration, competitions were held on drawing, music, and dance. In an interesting segment of the event, families were invited to the podium one by one to introduce themselves in Sambalpuri language. They not only introduced themselves in this vernacular language but also assured to converse in Sambalpuri and educate their children Sambalpuri language and culture.
On this occasion discussed also went on about promotion of Sambalpuri language, culture, and awareness to the next generation.
Also read: Nuakhai Bhet Ghat 2019 Celebrated In Dubai
Interestingly, the entire program was anchored by a child. Women present on this occasion took part in the Musical Chair competition and Sambalpuri dance as well.
Members of the Odia community of Mumbai and the host of the event intimated that going forward “Juhar Mumbai” would try to organize all the festivals in Mumbai related to the culture and heritage of Odisha that includes Surendra Sai Jayanti, Gangadhar Meher Jayanti, Puspuni and Sitalsasti.
Ms Kalinga