In a first, an in-person Nuakhai Bhetghat was organised in Dubai on September 17. This appears to be the largest in-person get-together on the occasion anywhere outside India during the pandemic.The Bhetghat was organised by the Nuakhai Paribar of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Strictly adhering to the Covid-19 protocols, a large number of people participated in the event with great enthusiasm. Traditional costumes, foods and music and dance were showcased.
Home cooked ‘ambil’ was a hit among all. A special arti and puja was performed at start of the event and the new grain (Nuachara) was first offered to Maa Samaleswari. One of highlights of event was communal partaking of ‘nua chara’ (new rice). All participants partook ‘nua chara’ at same time. This new rice was organised from Jamla village in Padampur under Bargarh district and was specially flown in for this event. After that people greeted each other with traditional greeting-‘Nukhai Juhar’, transforming venue into a mini Odisha.
