'Most of the festivals originate from legends and mythologies. But this festival has originated from agriculture,' said Swarupa Panda, a researcher.

According to the lunar calendar, the festival is observed on panchami tithi (fifth day) of the lunar fortnight of Bhadrava (August-September), the day after Ganesh Chaturthi.

However, the most important aspect of the festival is bonhomie and solidarity as people from different spheres of life sink their differences on this day to join in the revelry.