Art and culture of Nayagarh District, Odisha is a smart blend of cosmopolitan culture, complete with heterogeneous faiths, as Nayagarh is home to a vast quantity of Islamic and Semitic followers. Kandhas and `Savaras` are amongst the local inhabitants of this Indian district. Much later, Nayagarh was occupied by the Aryans. Historical accounts have asserted that the Kshatriya kings had invited the Brahmins as priests for the regional temples and for conducting sacred and social rites and rituals. The rich cultural heritage of Nayagarh is portrayed by the manifold festivals, mosques, folk dances, handicrafts and also the spectacular sculptural beauty of the churches and temples.

Sculpture of Nayagarh District
Stone inscriptions at Somnath Temple near Govindpur and ancient copper plates belonging to the 9th and 10 century AD which exist in Nayagarh indicate that sculptural art once thrived at this part of the country. Sculptural marvels can also be observed at Jagannath Temples, Nilamadhaba Temple at Kantilo, Anala Patta, Shahta and Shiva shrines. Apart from the temples and shrines, one will also come across some buildings and forts in Nayagarh District which boast of sculptural wonders.

Folk Dances of Nayagarh District
Several forms of folk dances are practised by the people of Nayagarh District. `Paika Akhada` or `Olasa` or `Lathipada`, `Danda Nrutya` or `Itamati`, `Dhumpa` or `Khandapara`, `Dhena Koila` or `Similisahi`, `Khanjani` or `Balugaon`, `Janu-Ghanta`, `Singi Baza` or `Saspalla`, `Dholamahuri` or `Lathipada`, `Adiasi-Nritya` or `Banigochha` and `Ghuduki` or `Ranapur` are some of the folk dances which are an integral tradition of Nayagarh District.

Handicrafts of Nayagarh District
Brass artefacts are manufactured on a large scale in Nayagarh District particularly at Kantilo. The world`s tallest world cup, which was known as the Millennium Talent Cup was created in Kantilo, by the `Kansaries`, for Odisha Institute of Educational Research. This district is also reputed for its horn works. Various kinds of jute handicrafts are crafted by the artisans of Khandapara, while Gania`s `Situlia` communities are distinguished craftsmen who are excelled in the art of making terracotta sculptures.

Festivals of Nayagarh District
The residents of Nayagarh District are engaged in observing many festivals which involve Car Festival which is celebrated at Daspalla, Khandapara and Nayagarh, Pana Sankranti, Sriram Navamai at Odegaon, Kantilo Mela, Dakhinakali at Nayagarh, Shivaratri of Ladukeshwar at Saranakul, etc. The chariots or `Rathas` of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra which are pulled here are majestic. However, they are smaller only when compared to their counterparts of the Puri Car Festival.

Stone sculptures are amongst the several noted arts of this district, and the sculptors of Odegaon are considered to be the most dexterous in the sphere of stone sculpting. Therefore it is said that a majority of stone sculptors hail from Odegaon.