The Kuwait Odisha Association (KOA), with the support of the Embassy of India in Kuwait, organised a Nuakhai Bhetghat to celebrate Odisha’s traditional harvest festival and bring members of the Odia community together.
The event highlighted Odisha’s cultural heritage through traditional food, classical and folk-dance performances, and community participation. It also provided an opportunity for families to maintain their cultural connections and introduce younger generations to the traditions of their homeland.
Nuakhai is one of Odisha’s important festivals, particularly celebrated in Sambalpur and surrounding regions. The name combines the words “Nua,” meaning new, and “Khai,” meaning to eat. The festival traditionally marks the offering and consumption of the season’s first harvest, reflecting gratitude for agricultural produce and the contributions of farmers and nature.
The event was inaugurated by India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Paramita Tripathi, through the ceremonial lighting of a lamp. First Secretary Manas Raj Patel, KOA President Asimananda Mund, Vice President Minoo Padhy and Senior Advisor Girija Nandan Panda were also present.
The celebration received messages of appreciation and congratulations from several prominent personalities, including President of India Droupadi Murmu, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, Padma Shri awardee Haladhar Nag and former diaspora member Asit Mohanty.
The gathering provided a platform for members of the Odia community to celebrate their shared heritage while contributing to Kuwait’s multicultural environment. The festival also highlighted the importance of family bonds, cultural preservation, community participation and respect for nature.
KOA President Asimananda Mund thanked the Indian President, Odisha’s political leaders, the Indian Ambassador and embassy officials for their messages and support. He also acknowledged the contributions of event sponsors, representatives of professional and community organisations, including the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Kuwait Chapter, the Forum of Indian Doctors and INFOK, as well as members of the Odia community.
The Nuakhai Bhetghat served as an opportunity for the Odia community in Kuwait to preserve its traditions, share its cultural heritage and strengthen ties among families and community organisations.
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