Odias in UAE celebrate Nuakhai with grandeur & cultural festivities

Dubai witnessed a spectacular celebration of Western Odisha’s cultural heritage as the 11th edition of the world’s largest Nuakhai Bhetghat was held at Credence High School on Sunday. The event radiated colour, tradition, and pride, bringing together hundreds of Odias settled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The celebration, which brought together over 700 attendees under the banner of "One UAE, One Nuakhai", marked the largest Nuakhai gathering ever held outside India. 

While Nuakhai was observed in Western Odisha on 28 August, the Odia community in the UAE recreated the festive atmosphere on 31 August, reviving the essence of their homeland and uniting the diaspora.

Cultural and Spiritual Highlights

Adding a layer of spiritual authenticity, a special aarti was performed for Maa Samaleswari. A key highlight was the offering of new grain, specially flown in from Sonepur, to the Goddess. This prasad was then distributed among all attendees.

Showcasing Local Talent & Cuisine

The event featured captivating performances from special invitees flown in from Western Odisha. Versatile artist Jagruti Rath from Bolangir, along with Sambalpuri singer Pratham Kumbar from Jharsuguda, captivated the audience with Sambalpuri beats.

The stage also served as a platform for local talent. Handloom showcases and a Sambalpuri fashion show added to the splendour.

Authentic Odia cuisine was served by a celebrated chef, Ananda Pujhari from Bargarh, who was specially flown in from Odisha. He delighted the diaspora with traditional delicacies such as khaasi mansa kasa and kardi-mircha chutchuta, bringing the authentic flavours of home to the Gulf.

Guests & Dignitaries

Dignitaries included IBPC Chairman Siddharth Balachandran, Emirati entrepreneur Dr Bu Abdullah, and several others, underscoring the strong UAE–India cultural ties.

Nuakhai Paribar UAE, the organisation behind the annual event, continues to act as a cultural bridge, preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Western Odisha in Dubai.