In Odisha, Nuakhai, a significant agrarian festival in the State is being celebrated on Saturday, September 11. Appreciating the outstanding efforts of the farmers and their role in nation-building, Prime Minister Narendra   Modi greeted the nation on the occasion of Nuakhai Juhar. . Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and many other dignitaries have also wished people peace, prosperity and good health.

As per the customary practice, people offer the new grains of crops to the deities before their own consumption. It is also a festival of social cohesion as all the members of the family come together to celebrate Nuakhai. Many cultural programs and sporting activities are being held across the state to mark the occasion.

Sharing a message on the Twitter handle, Prime Minister Modi wrote: "Nuakhai Juhar! Greetings to everyone on this auspicious occasion. On Nuakhai we laud the outstanding efforts of our industrious farmers and their role in nation-building. I pray for everyone's good health and well-being."

Nuakhai Juhar is celebrated in western Odisha and southern Chattisgarh. Nuakhai is a combination of two words that signifies the eating of new rice, 'Nua' means rice and 'khai' denotes eat.  The festival is observed to welcome the new season of rice.

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