The New Indian Express ·
Odisha: Man spends year’s allowance on Nuakhai gifts for 108 families
SAMBALPUR: Jujumura Samiti member Jayanta Pradhan has put his money where his heart is, on Nuakhai. Pradhan has spent around Rs 1.08 lakh, equivalent to his one-year allowance as a Samiti member, on an assortment of items for 108 economically-weaker families of his panchayat ahead of the agricultural and harvest festival.
The packets for the families comprise sarees, gamchhas, rice, sugar, flour and other essential grocery items needed for celebrating the festival. The packets were distributed at a programme at the Jujumura RMC premises on Monday.
Nuakhai is a time when families come together to celebrate the new harvest and prepare a special meal. “For families with limited means, meeting the additional expenses of Nuakhai can be difficult. They often have to choose between buying new clothes, purchasing new grain, or meeting other household needs. They cannot afford everything at once,” Pradhan said, adding that his initiative was aimed at helping the families celebrate the festival without feeling pressured.