Nuakhai celebrated at CUH

Baragada: Organised by the CUH Odia Parivar, the Nuakhai Bhetghat-2026 festival was celebrated at the Central University of Haryana to showcase Odisha’s agricultural and cultural heritage. The event was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Tankeshwar Kumar, with Baragada MP Pradeep Purohit as chief guest and Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP Dharambir Singh Chaudhary as guest of honour.

Purohit encouraged Odia students and community members living far away from homeland by emphasising that Nuakhai connects them to their cultural roots. He stated that the festival is deeply tied to Odisha’s agrarian lifestyle and folk traditions, serving as a vital link to their homeland.

The celebration united faculty, researchers, and students to honour their mother tongue, cultural identity, and regional heritage. Despite living over 1,400 km from Odisha, the university’s Odia community celebrated with deep pride and a strong sense of belonging.

The programme began with a traditional welcome, the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, and the singing of Odisha’s state anthem, Bande Utkala Janani. Following guest introductions and a discussion on the significance of Nuakhai, a documentary on Odisha’s rich heritage was screened. The celebration concluded with vibrant cultural performances, including Odissi, Dalkhai, and Sambalpuri dances, music, poetry, drama, and a rendition of the popular song Rangabati.