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SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 50

SSC CGL - 18 Sep 2025 - Shift 2 • General Awareness • Q50

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The Nabanna (new rice) during the Nuakhai festival in Sambalpur, Odisha, is first offered to which deity?

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Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Maa Samaleswari.

Nuakhai is the most important agrarian festival of Western Odisha, celebrated to welcome the new harvest. In Sambalpur, the first-mown rice, known as Nabanna, is ritualistically offered to Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of the region. This offering takes place at a specific auspicious time (Lagna). Following the ritual, family members eat the new rice together (Nuakhai Khuar), symbolizing gratitude to nature and the strengthening of community bonds through the "Nuakhai Juhar" greeting.

Explanation of Other Options: 

  • Maa Mangala: The presiding deity of Kakaatpur, Odisha, she is deeply associated with the Navakalevara ritual of Lord Jagannath.

  • Maa Bhubaneswari: Regarded as the mother of the universe and the presiding deity of the Lingaraj Temple complex in Bhubaneswar.

  • Maa Budhi Thakurani: The principal deity of Berhampur (Ganjam district), famous for the biennial Thakurani Jatra festival.