Preparations are at a final stage in Jharsuguda district for the Nuankhai celebrations which will be observed across western Odisha on September 11. The rural women are now busy to decorate entrance points of their houses after cleaning them with new soil. The farmers dedicate new crop to presiding deity after first harvest as Nuankhai offerings. All family members unite to celebrate festival and partake in "Nabanna Prasad." After this, they greet each other with "Nuankhai Juhaar". In evening, a traditional dance is performed. But this year, the celebration is greatly affected by the ongoing drought situation. The district administration also has issued guidelines to observe festival with Covid-19 restrictions. Therefore, this year Nuankhai is not a very cheerful festival for the people of Jharsuguda district. Shatrughan Meher, spokesperson of local Meher Samaj said, “This year "Nuankhai Bhetbhat" will be observed in a low -key manner due to Covid guidelines.”