One of the Largest Nuakhai Bhetghat Outside India Celebrated in Dubai with Grandeur; Over 700 Odias Unite to Showcase Western Odisha’s Culture

Jharsuguda: The vibrant spirit of Western Odisha came alive in Dubai as the 11th Edition of the World’s Largest Nuakhai Bhetghat outside India was celebrated with grandeur and cultural fervour at Credence High School, Dubai.

While Nuakhai was observed in Western Odisha on August 28, the Odia community in the UAE marked the festival on August 31, recreating the fragrance of their homeland on foreign soil.

Western Odisha’s culture took center stage with peppy Sambalpuri songs, electrifying dances, handloom showcases, and the lyrical beauty of the Sambalpuri language, leaving the audience spellbound. More than 700 attendees turned the gathering into the largest Nuakhai celebration beyond India’s borders, carrying forward the vision of “One UAE, One Nuakhai.”

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Mr. Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC)—the only Indian business council officially recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI)—and Emirati Dr. Bu Abdullah, Chairman of Bu Abdullah Group, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Their presence symbolized the strong cultural bond between the UAE and India.

Special invitees from Western Odisha added warmth and authenticity. Versatile artist Jagruti Rath (singer, anchor, actor & dancer) from Bolangir and popular Sambalpuri singer Pratham Kumbar from Jharsuguda enthralled the crowd with soulful performances. Comedian Papu Pam Pam kept the audience in splits with his wit and humour, adding musical flair with songs.

Local Odia talents also took the stage, with children and women presenting traditional Sambalpuri dances, handloom exhibitions, and a dazzling Sambalpuri fashion show. The venue, adorned with attendees in traditional attire, echoed with the rhythm and vibrancy of Western Odisha.

Adding sanctity to the occasion, a special aarti for Maa Samaleswari was performed with new grain flown in from Sonepur, first offered to the Goddess before being distributed among the devotees.

For the first time in Nuakhai celebrations outside India, celebrated Odia chef Ananda Pujhari from Bargarh was flown in to serve traditional delicacies like khaasi mansa kasa and kardi-mircha chutchuta, which delighted the diaspora with authentic flavors of home.

The event also featured the unveiling of a special calendar marking the 11th edition, highlighting iconic temples of Odisha and commemorating the enduring Nuakhai tradition in the UAE.

Through initiatives like these, Nuakhai Paribar UAE continues to serve as a cultural bridge, preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Western Odisha on foreign shores. The annual gathering not only fosters unity among the Odia diaspora but also showcases Western Odisha’s cultural brilliance on a global stage.