Sambalpuriculture refers to the regional culture of the western districts of the Indian state of Odisha. These districts are Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Deogarh, Bolangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Boudh and Angul. Sambalpur's distinct cultural identity stems from the strong association between tribal and folk communities, who have co-existed in western Odisha for centuries.[1]
Dhanu Jatra (also "Dhanu Yatra") is an annual, outdoor theatrical performance celebrated in Bargarh, Odisha. The 11-day event is referred to as the world's largest open-air theatre performance. The festival re-enacts the story of Krishna and his uncle Kamsa's visit to Mathura to witness the Dhanu ceremony.[2]
Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav
The Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav[3][4] ("People's Festival") is a folk and tribal festival of culture celebrated in the Sambalpur region. It is organized by the local community in participating districts and celebrates the harmonious relationship between tribal and folk communities. It emphasizes the cultural identity and collective heritage of the region.[5] Over time, it has become one of the largest festivals in the region in terms of attendance.[6]
The Sitalsasthi Carnival is an annual festival that commemorates the religious reunion of Shiva and Shakti, as goddess Parvati. The carnival is observed in Sambalpur and Barpali.
Nuakhai is a paddyharvest festival that takes place during August and September. Preparations start at least 15 days before the festival commences. The first grains of the paddy crop are cooked into various dishes and offered to deities. The oldest member of the family then distributes these sacred offerings to younger members. Younger members seek the blessings of elders for a happy and peaceful life.[7]
Pousha Purnima, also known as Puspuni, is an annual festival observed by the people of western and southern Odisha. This is observed on the puni ("full moon") day of the month of Pusa (Sanskrit: Pausha). It is derived from the agrarian culture of the land. It is an annual festival in which farming families celebrate their annual harvest of paddy crop. Other community members participate also participate, and has, over time, become a community tradition.[8]
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated annually, and typically occurs on January 14, although the date can vary. In western Odisha, the festival is observed with unique local customs. Devotees perform various rituals and prayers at temples and along rivers, offering prasad such as rasi ladddu, a preparation made from sesame seeds ("rasi") and jaggery.
In western Odisha, it is believed that offering prayers and impressing the deities can absolve individuals of their sins ("paap"). Makar Sankranti also highlights social bonds, with a particular emphasis on friendship. On this day, friends may participate in a ritual ("puja") to seek blessings for their companionship. Following the ritual, participants often address each other as "Makar," symbolizing a deep and enduring friendship. It is commonly believed that friendships celebrated on this day will remain steadfast throughout life.[9][bettersourceneeded]
Sitalsasthi is the most celebrated mass festival in western Odisha, especially Sambalpur. The festival is a days-long celebration of the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati. The old areas of Sambalpur, such as Jharuapada, Nandpada, and Kansaripada, attract a significant number of visitors due to their traditional Sitalsasthi celebrations.[10][11]
Bhai-juntia
A lesser known festival, Bhai-juntia festival is celebrated on the Mahastami ("eighth day") of Durga Puja. It is a ritual fasting undertaken by women for the whole day and night to seek Durga's blessing for the long life of their brothers.[12]
Pua-juntia
This is a ritual fasting puja of similar austerity for women. 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 celebrated on the second (dwitiya) day of the shukla paksha (waxing cycle of the moon) of Āshādha Māsa (3rd month of the Odia calendar). There is a strong influence of Jagannath culture in western Odisha, and a kirtan is organized in most villages.
Shiva Ratri
Shiva Ratri Mela or Maha Shivaratri attracts large numbers of devotees to Sambalpur.[13] This festival name translates to "Night of Shiva", referring to the practice of worship of Shiva. It is observed on Shiva Chaturdashi, which takes place on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Falgun. Participants perform various forms of worship, including meditation, reading, and chanting throughout the night.[14] This festival may align with other astronomically significant events.[15]
Acoustic instruments used in the folk music of western Odisha hold cultural significance due to their rarity and unique contribution to the region's musical heritage. These instruments play a central role in preserving and presenting the distinctive folk styles of the area.
One prominent example is the Dulduli music ensemble, a traditional orchestra that combines several key instruments such as the dhol, nisan, tasha, jhanj, and muhuri. In this arrangement, the dhol serves as the primary rhythm instrument, the nisan adds bass elements, the tasha enhances treble tones, the jhanj provides additional percussion, and the muhuri, a wind instrument similar to the shehnai, functions as the primary melody-producing instrument.[17]
Although many instrumentalists in the folk music traditions of western Odisha lack formal knowledge of music theory, their performances align with the established principles of the region's folk music. This demonstrates an intuitive understanding of the genre's recommended grammar.
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. These instruments play a significant role in cultural and religious practices, particularly during temple rituals such as ''aarti".
Dhol: A classic Indian folk music instrument. The 'dhol' of Sambalpur is slightly different in its making and use, and is made from the trunk of a tree. Both sides of the 'dhol' are of the same size.
Dandua Dhol: “Dand” or “Danda Nacha” is a popular ancient Odia pastime 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. “Dandua Dhol” is a unique “Dhol” specially used in “Dand” plays.
Mandal: The Sambalpuri 'mandal' is different from that of all other parts of India. The 'mandal' is made out of fired clay and is like a cylinder. Mandal is a drum that is used in slower rhythms. Most of the danceless songs are accomplished with the Mandal. This is a very sweet musical instrument and requires good skills to play. It is found in almost all households of ancient Odias. It is one of the main musical instruments for Kirtan during Ram Navami. Besides, it is used during “Jhumer” and “Karma” style songs. It is an essential part of the “Karmasani” puja.
Nishan: It is made out of iron sheets. The sound emitted by the 'nishan' is heart-throbbing. This is mostly used in worship of Kali or Durga and on the battlefield.
Tasha: It is played by two thin bamboo sticks. The sound of 'tasha' creates an atmosphere of horror, fear, and excitement.
Muhuri: This musical instrument is made out of wood, with a double reed at one end and a wooden flared bell at the other end. 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. Muhuri is the only and leading ‘sur’ instrument in Sambalpuri music.
Dhap: Dhap is a percussion sort of a single-faced and shallow rimmed drum. It’s a tambourine with a wooden frame played using the flat of the palm and fingers.
Mridang: It is a terracotta two-sided drum used in Western Odisha for accompaniment with devotional music (Bhakti like Astaprahari, Kirtan, Pala, etc.).The drum is played with palms and fingers of both hands.
Ghumra: Ghumra is considered to be a warrior instrument that was played in old times before a king was to proceed to a war or after he won a war. “Ghumra Dance” is based completely on these musical instruments and is a very popular form of dance in Kalahandi. The dancers used to hang this instrument around their chest and play it with both hands while dancing, and it creates a unique scene.
Kendera: The Kendera is a wooden string instrument, which has one string and is most commonly played by drawing a bow across its string. They are mostly played traditionally by jogis (saints). The folk song played in a kendara is known as kendara gita.
Ghupkudu: A traditional folk instrument made of Mango wood. The round part is covered with reptile skin, and the thread is called ‘thaat’. The heart-touching sound is known as 'Ghubkudu Chang Ghubkudu'. "Ghupkudu nach" is a popular song and dance, nowadays called "Kismi Nach".
Khanjni: This musical instrument is mostly used by followers of the “Alekh” sect during their Bhajan and Kirtan. The Alekh sect is similar to the Jains, having many similarities with them. The 'matha' or religious place of the Alekh sect is called “Mahima Gadi”, where this instrument is worshipped.
Bansi: “Baensi” is spoken this way in western Odisha and means “Bansi” or flute. This instrument takes its inspiration from the eternal love between Lord Sri Krishna and Radha. Sri Krishna used to play this instrument, often while gazing at cows, and that would attract Radha towards him.
Jhanj: It synchronizes the beats and rhythm in Sambalpuri Music and is considered an important background music for 'Kirtans', especially those performed during 'Rath Yatra' (Chariot Festival).
Mitu Kathia: 'Mitu Kathia', as its name suggests, is a musical instrument made out of Bamboo wood (Kathia) and is inspired by the Parrot (Mitu). It somewhat sounds like a parrot. Also, it is popularly known as “Khidki Khicha” due to its unique style of playing. This instrument is used in “Udanda Kirtan,” a particular form of Kirtan held during Ram Navami or the evening hours in villages.
Ramtali: “Ramtali” is mainly used during “Krushnaguru” plays in Odia villages. Krushnaguru is a unique song and play-based performance by a group of people on various religious and cultural topics, especially revolving around Krishna in Dvapara Yuga. Ramtali is the main instrument of the saint “Narada”, who is considered one of the greatest devotees of Lord Vishnu. A typical hymn he used to sing is “Narayana..Narayana” while playing this instrument in one hand, when he used to enter a place or participate in a discussion.[citation needed]
Dance
In Sambalpuri culture, community dances are connected to a function or to the worship of a deity.
Sambalpuri Dance
Dalkhai dance
Dalkhai is a ritual folk dance. Songs sung on this occasion are known as Dalkhai songs. Young girls from the Binjhal, Soura, and Mirdha tribes perform this dance during Dusshera, Bhaijuntia, and other festive occasions. Non-tribal people also participate in these ritual dances and songs. Young girls stand in a line or a semi-circular pattern while dancing.
Karma dance
Karma is the most colourful dance of the district. It is mainly a tribal dance in honour of "Karam Sani", the deity they believe grants children. Non-tribal people also participate in this ritual dance and songs. In the beginning, dancers enter the arena in two rows. The drummers and the singers accompany with rhythmic steps.
Humo and Bauli
These are two playful dances performed generally by young and unmarried girls on special occasions, who sing and dance in groups. The steps and movements of the dance are very slow. However, older women of the villages also play a guiding role during the performance of these songs.
Koisabadi dance
This dance is prevalent among the Gond and the Bhuyan tribes. Male dancers take part, holding 2–3-foot-long sticks. The songs are mainly based on the love story of Radha and Krishna.[18]
Veer Surendra Sai was born on 23 January 1809 in Khinda village in the Chauhan dynasty. Surendra Sai led a revolution against the British, assembling thousands of protesters. He was arrested by the then British government and died on 28 February 1884. Known as the "Lion of Sambalpur", Surendra Sai is remembered for his patriotism and dedication to the cause.
Gangadhar Meher was born on 9 August 1862 in Barpali, Bargarh district (undivided Sambalpur District) to a weaver family. He was educated up to the 5th grade. His writing and poetry is well regarded and cover themes of devotion, patriotism, reform, ethics, agriculture, elegies, and narration of nature. He died on 4 April 1924.
Bhima Bhoi
Bhima Bhoi[23] was a 19th-century saint, Odia poet, mystic, and social reformer from the state of Odisha in India. Bhoi was a bhakta (Odia: devotee) of Mahima Gosain, the founder of Satya Mahima Dharma, an Indian religious tradition that challenged the authority of caste and other forms of discrimination. Bhoi is remembered for his mystical poetry, which was primarily in the Odia language, and his social reform efforts aimed at uplifting marginalized sections of society.
Chandra Sekhar Behera
Chandra Sekhar Behera[24] of Sambalpur was a freedom fighter and a participant in the Non-Cooperation Movement. He consolidated the freedom movement in the Sambalpur region and merged his activities with the Indian National Congress. He was a founding member of the National School of Sambalpur, started on the lines of Satyabadi Vana-Vidyalaya, founded by Gopabandhu Das. As the chairman of the Sambalpur Municipality, he received Gandhi in Sambalpur in 1928. He organized a mass movement against illiteracy and untouchability and was instrumental in the activities of Utkal Sammilani in the formation of a separate state for Orissa. Chandra Sekhar died on 23 January 1936.
Satya Narayana Bohidar
Satya Narayan Bohidar[25] was born on 1 August 1913 at Sonepur, and is known as a pioneer of Sambalpuri language and grammar. One of Bohidar's major contributions was a dictionary and grammar of the Sambalpuri language. He died on 31 December 1980.
Jadunath Supakar
Jadunath Supakar[25] was born on 10 February 1931 to an artisan's family in Sambalpur. He was educated at National Arts School of Shantiniketan. Starting as an portrait artist, Jadunath earned his name as a master of handicraft and worked toward reviving the forgotten art of traditional weaving. He was engaged in a weavers' service center, established for artisans' development. Jadunath was also known for his mastery of musical instruments.
Isaac Santra[25] was born in 1892 at Sambalpur. He was a doctor dedicated to the eradication of leprosy. He established a leper home at Hatibari. Santra was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri award. He also edited a magazine, Prabhatee, propounding human values and qualities. He died on 29 August 1968.
Radhashyam Meher was born on 20 November 1909 in Sambalpur. Meher invented the first handloom to weave textiles of ninety inches width, leading to the creation of the Sambalpuri sari. He is known as the father of Sambalpuri textiles, and heralded the era of Baandha art. He participated in the Indian independence movement and was jailed during the Quit India Movement. He died 19 May 1961.
Haldhar Nag
Dr. Haldhar Nag (born 31 March 1950) is a Sambalpuri poet and writer from Bargarh, Odisha, India. Popularly known as "lok kabi ratna" (meaning "people's poet gem"). He was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2016. He has been compared to Gangadhar Meher for his Sambalpuri style of writing. The BBC made a documentary film about his life and works.
One of his first poems was Dhodo Bargachh (The Old Banyan Tree), which he published in a local magazine. The poem was successful, and four more published poems followed soon.
Jitendra Haripal
Jitendra Haripal is a singer regarded as an exponent of Sambalpuri language music. He received the Padma Shri from the Government of India in 2017 for his contribution to Indian music.[29]
Aparajita Mohanty
Aparajita Mohanty (born 31 January 1962) is an Indian actress who mostly appears in Odia film industry. Apart from film, she has played various roles in Odia television serials.
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