Nuakhai Bhetghat-2026 Held at Kapsi Village Talents from Various Fields Felicitated at the Community Gathering

Sinapali: The traditional festival of Western Odisha, Nuakhai, was celebrated with enthusiasm at Kapsi village, where the ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat-2026’ programme was organised. The event focused on promoting social unity, brotherhood and the preservation of local culture. Villagers across different age groups participated in the programme and exchanged Nuakhai greetings. The programme began with prayers offered to village deity Maa Gadiyani and the presiding deity of Western Odisha, Maa Samalei. The guests inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp and performing puja. A solo musical performance by local artists was presented thereafter. The proceedings were coordinated by noted sports commentator Prakash Patra. The meeting was presided over by Nikunja Bihari Sa. Secretary Samanta Kumar Das, speaking on the significance of Nuakhai, said that the festival represents brotherhood, social unity and the traditional values of Western Odisha. Tapan Sa, Debendra Jagat, Padmanabh Das, Narottam Majhi, Mangal Singh Majhi, Hemant Majhi, Lachhman Rana, Jagabandhu Nial, Rafiq Khan, Lochan Lohar, Tankadhar Sa, Mohan Charan Das and Bisham Chinda attended the meeting as distinguished guests and shared their views on Nuakhai and social harmony. Talents Felicitated As part of the programme, individuals from various fields who have contributed to bringing recognition to Kapsi village were felicitated with certificates of appreciation and traditional uttariyas. Among those felicitated were Ghumura artist Shiva Kand, astrologer Mangal Singh Majhi, Kirtan Bayak Narayan Sa, spiritual speaker Mohan Das and Haradei Majhi for her contribution towards forest protection. Sportspersons Shashibhushan Jagat and Sheikh Bas Khan were also felicitated for their contributions to the field of sports. Village resident and Indian Army personnel Paramananda Rana, who is serving the country, was specially honoured during the programme. Students who secured achievements in various school-level competitions were also awarded. The prize distribution was coordinated by Chaitanya Mishra. Cultural Programme Held The second phase of the event featured cultural performances by local artists under the leadership of noted artist Kanhai Charan Das. Dance and music performances were presented for the audience as part of the Nuakhai celebrations. The programme was conducted with the active support of Treasurer Bihari Lal Masra, Joint Secretary Diamond Nial, Tularam Nial, Chakradhar Sa, Rabindra Sa, Manoj Das, Sameer Das, Bishnu Sa, Deva Nial, Jatindra Das, Shekhar Das, Om Lohar, Gobardhan Das and Ajesh Das, among others. Vice-President Kailash Jagat proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme. The event was also livestreamed through YouTube, enabling villagers living outside the area to watch and participate virtually in the Nuakhai Bhetghat programme.