PUNE: The biggest agricultural community festival Nuakhai, which means Nua (New) and Khai (Food) was celebrated at Ankushrao Landge Natyagruha in Bhosari recently. Nuakhai is an annual festival of Odisha celebrated to welcome the arrival of new rice crop of the season.

The festival was organised by Bhetghat Cultural Association (BCA), a socio-cultural organisation representing the people of western Odisha, and was attended by more than 700 people from across the city. It is believed that the celebrations of Nuakhai first started in the 14th century during the period of King Ramai Deva.

President of BCA Sanjay Mohanty said, “We had invited a special chef from Odisha to serve a variety of authentic regional food to the visitors. Besides that, folk dance groups and musicians too were invited to the festival. Best of local talents also performed during the event.”

The publication of the 6th edition of the annual Bhetghat Magazine also took place on the occasion.