Biggest in-person overseas Nuakhai Bhetghat held in Dubai

Bhubaneswar: Nuakhai celebrations are not restricted to Odisha or India anymore. They have crossed India’s borders and the celebrations in USA, UK etc. are now frequently heard of. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had put a damper on all physical celebrations and most of the festivities had shifted online.

In a first, an in-person Nuakhai Bhetghat was organized in Dubai today. This appears to be the largest in-person get together on the occasion of Nuakhai anywhere outside India during the pandemic. This Bhetghat was organized by the Nuakhai Paribar of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Strictly adhering to the Covid-19 protocols, a large number of people participated in this event with great enthusiasm. Traditional costumes, foods and music & dance were showcased. Home cooked ‘ambil’ was a hit among all.

A special arti and puja was performed at the start of event and the new grain (Nuachara) was first offered to Maa Samaleswari. One of the highlights of the event was the communal partaking of the ‘nua chara’ (new rice). All the participants partook the ‘nua chara’ at the same time. This new rice was organized from Village Jamla, Padampur (Bargarh district) and was specially flown in for this event. After that, people greeted each other with the traditional greeting – ‘Nukhai Juhar’, transforming the venue into a mini Odisha.

Renowned people from Odisha had sent their good wishes thru videoconferencing – prominent among them were Padmashree Haldhar Nag, Noted Actor, TV personality and Chairman of the Odisha Film Development Corporation Kuna Tripathy, Former MLA of Sambalpur Dr. Raseswari Panigrahi and Eminent Comedian Jogesh Jojo.

Cultural programs by inhouse talents (recorded) and also by some of the artistes from India were played out. People from Odisha witnessed the event  through Facebook live. A special guest from Brazil named Grabio was also present. He was amazed by the Western Odisha culture and traditions.

During the pandemic wherein social distancing and lockdowns were the norm, a physical in-person Nuakhai was the dream of many. Many participants thanked the UAE Government for managing the pandemic so well.

Also Read

Comments are closed.