Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj will celebrate Nuakhai, popular festival of Western Odisha, here on a grand scale by bringing Padma Shri recipients Jitendra Haripal and Haladhar Nag on September 2.
While Dr. Haripal shot into fame for his world-famous Rangabati song, Mr. Nag, school dropout, has a big following in Odisha and Chattisgarh for composing several Sambalpuri songs. The function named ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’ will be held at the Jagannath temple complex on Daspalla Hills in the evening.
After felicitating the two Padma Shri recipients, a cultural programme with folk songs and dances of Western Odisha will be organised. Nuakhai is celebrated during harvest and the first offering is made to goddess Samaleswari, presiding deity of Sambalpur.
“For the first time we are celebrating Nuakhai in the city and the Odia residents here are very excited to participate in it,” J.K. Nayak, Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj president, said.
Meanwhile, Samaj secretary P.K. Biswal called upon people to attend the function in large numbers.
