Nuakhai Juhar Festival

The correct answer is option 'b', Odisha.

Introduction
Nuakhai Juhar is a major festival celebrated primarily in the state of Odisha, India. It holds significant cultural and traditional value for the people of Odisha, especially in the western regions of the state. The festival is observed to express gratitude towards the bountiful harvest of the year and to seek blessings for the upcoming agricultural season.

Celebration
The Nuakhai Juhar Festival usually falls on the Panchami Tithi (fifth day) of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadraba (August-September). It is a time of great joy and merriment for the people of Odisha, as they come together to rejoice in the abundance of nature's blessings.

Rituals and Customs
1. Nua: The festival gets its name from the term 'Nua' meaning new. On this day, people offer the newly harvested rice grains to their deities as a mark of gratitude.
2. Nabanna: The first taste of the newly harvested rice is offered to the deities in homes and temples. This is followed by a grand feast where different delicacies are prepared using the freshly harvested crops.
3. Juhar: Juhar is a traditional way of showing respect and seeking blessings. People touch the feet of their elders and seek their blessings. This gesture symbolizes humility and gratitude towards the elders.
4. Cultural Performances: Various cultural programs, folk dances, and music performances are organized during the festival. These performances depict the rich cultural heritage of Odisha and add to the festive fervor.

Significance
1. Agricultural Prosperity: The festival celebrates the successful harvest of crops, which is the lifeline of the agrarian society of Odisha.
2. Community Bonding: Nuakhai Juhar brings families and communities closer as they come together to celebrate and share their happiness.
3. Cultural Preservation: The festival plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Odisha, including its traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
4. Gratitude and Prayers: Nuakhai Juhar is an occasion to express gratitude towards nature, seek blessings for the upcoming agricultural season, and pray for continued prosperity.

Conclusion
Nuakhai Juhar is a significant festival celebrated in the state of Odisha, primarily in the western regions. It is a time of gratitude, celebration, and community bonding, wherein people come together to express their gratitude for the bountiful harvest and seek blessings for the future. The festival holds immense cultural and traditional value for the people of Odisha, and its celebration showcases the rich heritage of the state.