Sambalpuri culture
The songs, clothing, dances, language, food, and festivals celebrated in Sambalpur and Western Odisha are unique.
This distinct cultural identity arises from the strong association of the tribal and folk communities which have coexisted in Sambalpur and Other Districts Of Western Odisha Region for centuries.
The Sambalpur Mahotsav is a National Folk and Tribal Festival of Culture, organized by the local community rather than the district administration.
[3] In contrast, the Lok Mahotsav is a Folk and Tribal Arts and Culture Festival that highlights the socio-cultural aspects of the Sambalpur region.
It celebrates the harmonious relationship between tribal and folk (mainstream) communities, reflecting the socio-anthropological evolution of the area.
[4] The Sitalasasthi Carnival is an annual festival which celebrates and commemorates the religious reunion of Shiva and Shakti, as Goddess Parvati.
People of Western Odisha, irrespective of their economic occupation feast, song and dance, and rejoice in giving away on this day.
[8] Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated annually, typically on 14 January, though the date may occasionally vary by a day.
In Western Odisha, it is believed that offering prayers and impressing the deities can absolve individuals of their sins ("paap"), whether committed knowingly or unknowingly.
The old areas of Sambalpur like Jharuapada, Nandpada, and Kansaripada attract significant number of visitors due to their age old Sitalsasthi celebrations.
It is a ritual fasting undertaken by women for the whole day and night to seek Goddess Durga's blessing for the long life of their brothers.
The Pua-juntia festival is observed by mothers to invoke the grace of Lord Dutibahana for the long life and prosperity of their sons.
[12] Rath Yatra or Jatra is the celebrated on the second (dwitiya) day of shukla pakshya (waxing cycle of moon) of Āshādha Māsa (3rd month of Odia calendar).There is a strong influence of Jagarnath culture in western odisha & Kirtan organized in most of the villages .
One prominent example is the "Dulduli" music ensemble, a traditional orchestra that combines several key instruments: the Dhol, Nisan, Tasha, Jhanj, and Muhuri.
The region's folk music employs a wide array of instruments, including the Mandal, Dholak, Pakhawaj, Dugi-Tabla, Mridanga, Mardal, Dhap, Timkidi, Jodi-Nagara, Ghanta, Behela, Khanjani, Dhapli, Bansi, Singh-Kahali, Bir-Kahali, Ghulghula, Ghunguru, Kendraa, Khadkhadi, Ektara, Ghumra, Gini (cymbals), and Daskathia.
In the Sambalpur region specifically, commonly used instruments include the Dhole, Madal, Nishan, Tasha, Pakhawaj, Bansi, Bir-Kahali, Gini, Ektara, Muhuri, Ghulghula, Ghunguru, and Jhanj.
Dandua Dhol: “Dand” or “Danda Nacha” is a popular ancient Odia past time entertainment package based on the various stories between Sri Krishna and Radha.
During the old times when plays and dramas were the only sources of entertainment, such acts like “Dand” , “Pala” were very popular among the masses.
Its sound is thought to create and maintain a sense of auspiciousness and sanctity and, as a result, is widely used during marriages, processions and in temples.
Murdung: It is a terracotta two-sided drum used in Western Odisha for accompaniment with devotional music (Bhakti like Astaprahari, Kirtan, Pala etc.
It is made up of Mango wood ,the round part is covered with reptile skin and the thread is called ‘thaat’ .
Krushnaguru is a unique song and play based performance by a group of people on various mythological topics especially revolving around Krishna in Dvapara Yuga.
Young girls from Binjhal,Soura and Mirdha tribes perform this dance during Dusshera, Bhaijuntia and other festive occasions.
Popularly known as a warrior, Surendra Sai led a revolution against the British Rulers, assembling thousands of protesters.
Called as Sivaji of Odisha, Surendra Sai has been remembered for his unflinching patriotism, dedication for the motherland.
Born on 9 August 1862 on the day of Sravana Purnima at Barpali, Bargarh District (undivided Sambalpur Dist.)
His poetic creation includes ‘Pranaya Ballari’, ‘Kichaka Badha’, ‘Indumati’ , ‘Utkal Laxmi’, ‘Ayodhya’, ‘Bharati Bhabana’, ‘Bhakti Upahar’, Kabita Mala’ & ‘Krushaka Sangita’ Gangadhar is widely known as poet of nature.
His poetries can be decided into lyrics, devotional, patriotic, reformative, ethical, agricultural, elegy and narration of nature.
His prose creation include ‘Atma Jeevani’, Shri Nruparaj Singh’, ‘Purana Kabi Fakir Mohan’, Swargriya Kasinath Panda, Ehaki Prothibira Sabda, Sikshit, Asikhsit & Sikshya Bhimanini.’
