– “Jai Yadav, Jai Madhav” chants echoed through the sky
– Yadav culture showcased with vibrant Badi Khel
– MLA pledges support for construction of Yadav Bhawan
– Vishnu-Dhuben and Pitam-Gunamati couples to donate land for Yadav Bhawan
Kalahandi, YNN (Lingraj Mishra): Rupra Road, under Narla Block in Kalahandi district, witnessed a grand Nuakhai celebration organised by the Yadav Samaj at the Laxmi Puja Mandap. The event, hosted by the Rupra Road Gram Panchayat Yadav Samaj, featured a splendid display of Yadav culture through performances like Badi Khel, Ghumura, and Gana Baja, along with various cultural programmes. The air resonated with the spirited chants of “Jai Yadav, Jai Madhav.” A vibrant procession brought the sacred idol of Goddess Samlei from Bargaan and a framed picture of Radha-Krishna from the Jagannath Temple to the stage for installation. The community gathered to partake in the traditional Nuakhai served on kure leaves, followed by the customary Juhar Bhet greetings.
The inaugural ceremony and social gathering, chaired by Trilochana Goud, President of Rupra Road GP Yadav Samaj, saw prominent attendees, including chief guest Jugal Kishor Podh, Kalahandi District BJP President; distinguished guest Gobind Banchhor, Secretary of Utkal Yadav Mahasabha; chief speaker Sanjay Dhangadamajhi, General Secretary of Kalahandi Zilla Yadav Mahasabha; and esteemed guests Giridhari Goud, President of the Kalahandi District Yadav Mahasabha Abhyarthana Committee, Lingaraj Karuan, President of Narla Block Yadav Samiti, Hrushikesh Bhoi, former Block President, Prasun Kumar Jal, President of Narla Block Yuva Yadav Mahasabha, educationists Madhab Nag and Jayachandra Hati, Samlei priest Rushinath Bag, Baechan Bag, Bhima Bag, Pitambar Khuntula, Vice-President of Rupra Road GP Yadav Samaj, and Subas Gahir, Joint Secretary. They emphasised strengthening the community’s organisational efforts.
The evening’s closing ceremony was graced by chief guest Manorama Mohanty, Narla MLA; chief speaker Sanjay Dhangadamajhi; and esteemed guests like Ustad Bismillah Khan National Award-winning folk artist Sarbeswar Bhoi, Rupra Road Sarpanch Hemanta Bhoi, Bhimkela Sarpanch’s representative Jayanta Goud, and renowned Mridangam Guru Khageshwar Goud. They highlighted the essence and philosophy of Nuakhai and discussed the revival of folk arts.
During the event, MLA Manorama Mohanty pledged support for constructing a new Yadav Bhawan in Rupra Road. Vishnu Bishi and his wife Dhuben Bishi, along with Pitam Khuntula and his wife Gunamati Khuntula, announced their commitment to donate land for the Yadav Bhawan.
The closing ceremony also featured a dance competition among Yadav girls, with performances by Hemalata Selma, Renuka Hans, Jagyaseni Karuan, Jagyaseni Bag (Divya), Aaradhya Gahir, Sanjukta Goud, Laxmi Goud, Shalini, Kajal, and others. The winners were felicitated by the guests.
The event was anchored by young storyteller Sudhir Kumar Dhangadamajhi, with support from Pitambar Khuntula, Subas Gahir, Treasurer Arjun Bhoi, Naresh Goud, Nirakar Goud, Janaka Podh, Purnachandra Karuan, Ashok Hans, Giridhari Bag, Santosh Selma, and many women and youth from the Yadav Samaj.
The first-ever Nuakhai celebration organised by the Rupra Road GP Yadav Samaj was a resounding success, with senior members like Bishnu Bishi, Baichan Bag, and Bhima Bag expressing gratitude to all involved.
