In the earlier days, the married women used to go over to their parent's homes during this time of the year. Lia (Odia: ) (fried paddy) is a prepared food from rice mainly consumed in the region of Odisha, India. The word ‘nua’ translates to new and ‘khai’ means food. Celebrated a day after Ganesh Chaturthi, Nuakhai is the most auspicious and important social festival in Western Odisha and the neighbouring areas of Simdega in Jharkhand. During 'Pausa' masa, Dhanu Muan is also exchanged between families or sent over as a 'Bharaw' to a woman's parents to her in-law's house. Bhubaneswar: Nuakhai is an annual harvest festival in Odisha, celebrated to welcome the season’s new rice.
The Dhanu Muan is considered a delicacy that is sold in the markets between Dhanu Sankranti and Makara Sankranti.
Not surprising considering that the 'Pusa' or 'Pausa' month is also described as the month of abundance with all the granaries overflowing with grains. While 'paga khai' or 'Ukhuda' is very commonly consumed/used as a 'bhoga' or even as a snack in most Odia households, a few special ingredients go into the making of Dhanu Muan. English, one in Sambalpuri and translated two international bestsellers into Odia. This mixture resembles granola, both in appearance and taste, but is made with locally sourced ingredients. If the mixture is spread loosely instead of being molded, it is called Ukhuda or 'paga khai'. The still-warm mixture is either shaped into spheres or set into greased molds to give them a fancier shape. The garnishing bits at added at this stage. For making the Muan, freshly popped 'Khai' is tipped into melted jaggery ( or sugar) that has been mixed with the spices.
