The agrarian festival of ‘Nuakhai’ was celebrated with traditional fervour in Odisha. This festival is a 40-day celebration which is done in four phases. ‘Nuakhai’ festival is mainly celebrated in parts of Western Odisha. The first phase began in three villages as per tradition of Old Kalahandi kingdom. It is believed that a tribal chief of Patharla helped the Kalahandi king in a war and after getting pleased with their service, the king wanted to reward them. Instead of asking for material gifts, the tribal chief requested the Maharaja to allow them to offer Nabanna (new rice) to their presiding deity first on Nuakhai. The king allowed them to do so as a mark of gratitude and ever since, the tribals are allowed to offer Nabanna to the deity first. Bhawanipatana was the old capital of Kalahandi Maharaja. People celebrate this festival while playing traditional drums and also perform Ghumura dance on this occasion.