Sambalpur: In a significant display of cultural unity, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the state-level Nuakhai Bhetghat program in Sambalpur today.
The event, a post-harvest festival celebrating the new rice crop and community bonding, brought together leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties on a single platform.
Senior BJP Lawmaker Shri Jai Narayan Mishra organized the show. BJP President Shri Man Mohan Samal attended the program.
The Chief Minister’s visit began with a visit to the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple, where he offered prayers and partook in the ritual of “Nabanna,” the newly harvested rice. He was greeted by a large crowd of locals eager to participate in the festive gathering.
During his address, CM Shri Majhi highlighted the deep cultural and social significance of Nuakhai, calling it more than just a festival but an “identity of our existence.” He underscored its role in fostering love, prosperity, and respect for farmers and nature. The Chief Minister also announced several development initiatives for Western Odisha, including:
Plans to transform Western Odisha into a distinct tourism hub, with a focus on attractions like the Hirakud Dam, Debrigarh forests, and sacred sites such as the Samaleswari and Pataneswari temples.
A pledge to upgrade and preserve historical freedom struggle sites, including Khinda, to honor the region’s legacy of bravery.
The government is considering the development of an industrial corridor connecting eastern and western Odisha.
The event saw the participation of several prominent leaders, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari and Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri Mukesh Mahaling, among others. The gathering was widely seen as a positive step towards bridging political divides and focusing on the shared cultural heritage of the region.
The Chief Minister’s attendance and his announcements for the region were met with enthusiasm from the public, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the development of Western Odisha.