A Grand Gathering of the Odia Community

 The eighth annual Nuakhai Bhetghat, organized by Juhar Parivar UK, was celebrated with splendour and unity at Hatch End High School, Pinner, London. Nearly 200 Odia families from across the UK came together to honour the harvest festival with traditional rituals, cultural performances, and heartfelt community bonding.

Rituals and Traditional Delicacies

The celebrations began with the sacred Samalei Puja, invoking the blessings of Maa Samlei for prosperity and well-being. After the rituals, guests enjoyed a sumptuous lunch catered by Potli, one of London’s premier Indian restaurants, along with authentic Odia delicacies like Ambila and Ghanta Tarkari, lovingly prepared by the women of Juhar Parivar UK.

Honouring Elders and Community Spirit

The cultural segment opened with a soulful Samlei Bhajan, followed by a special ceremony recognising community elders. They were felicitated with respect and gratitude, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on tradition and togetherness.

Competitions Celebrating Roots

Highlighting the festival’s agricultural heritage, Juhar Parivar UK hosted its signature contests – Best Garden & Harvest and Best Manda Peetha.

• Best Garden & Harvest: Winner – Snigdha Mishra; Runner-up – Sushree Wells

• Best Manda Peetha: Winner – Smita Das; Runner-up – Samapika Guru

These competitions celebrated both creativity and Odia culinary artistry.

Cultural Extravaganza

The afternoon was enriched with Sambalpuri folk songs and dances, performed by children and community members. A special highlight was the Sambalpuri-themed fashion show, presented by Ramuli Creations under the guidance of Odisha’s renowned fashion designer Ramkrishna Pattnaik, alongside hand-painted designs by Jagamayee Swain (Nayan).

Electrifying Evening Performances

As the evening progressed, the celebration reached new heights with a powerful drumming performance by Dwitee Krishna Panda, accompanied on keyboard by Dharmendra. Their pulsating rhythms set the stage alive, inspiring the audience to dance with unrestrained joy. Adding to the nostalgia was the serving of chaul bara from Sambalpur, a much-loved delicacy that delighted attendees.

Special thanks were extended to Satvika Mishra, Gaurav Meher, and Sanand Pattnaik, whose efforts, along with the enthusiastic involvement of the younger generation, ensured the smooth running of the event.

Charity with a Purpose

Staying true to its ethos of giving back, Juhar Parivar UK organized a charity raffle, raising nearly £350. The proceeds will support meaningful initiatives in Odisha, showcasing the community’s commitment to both cultural preservation and social responsibility.

Sponsors and Future Outlook

This year’s success was made possible with the support of sponsors: Single Point Financial Services, Amadeus Legal Services, and Potli.

The event concluded on a joyous note, with participants already looking forward to the next edition. Energized by the overwhelming response, the Juhar Parivar UK Core Committee pledged to further expand the scale and impact of Nuakhai Bhetghat, ensuring Odisha’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive in the UK.

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