Sambalpuri culture

Sambalpur, located in Western Odisha, is a region in India. Sambalpur's distinct cultural identity stems from the strong association between the tribal and folk communities which have coexisted in Sambalpur and other districts Of Western Odisha region for centuries.
The Sambalpur Mahotsav and the Lok Mahotsav are cultural festivals celebrated in the Sambalpur region.
The Sambalpur Mahotsav is a National Folk and Tribal Festival of Culture, organized by the local community rather than the district administration. Over time, it has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the region in terms of attendance.
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. The name "Lok Mahotsav" translates to "People's Festival" ("Lok" meaning people, and "Mahotsav" meaning festival), emphasizing its focus on the cultural identity and collective heritage of the region.
The Sitalasasthi Carnival is an annual festival which celebrates and commemorates the religious reunion of Shiva and Shakti, as Goddess Parvati. The carnival is observed with great enthusiasm and grandeur in Sambalpur.
Nuakhai is considered the most important social festival of Sambalpur. It is a paddy harvest festival that takes place during the months of August and September. Preparations for the festival start at least 15 days before the festival commences. The first grains of the paddy crop are cooked into various dishes and offered to the deities. The oldest member of the family then distributes the above sacred offerings to the younger members of the family. There is a communal cleaning of houses. People in the community meet and greet each other. Young people seek the blessings of the elders, for happy and peaceful lives. It is a community festival celebrated by both rich and poor Hindu families alike.
Puspuni is an annual festival observed by the people of Western and Southern Odisha. This is observed on the Puni (English Full Moon) day of the month of Pusa (Sanskrit Pausha). It derives its origin from the age-old agrarian culture of the land. Basically, it is an annual occasion wherein the farmer families celebrate their annual harvest of paddy. It has given rise to a tradition of celebration by other communities, too. People of Western Odisha, irrespective of their economic occupation feast, song and dance, and rejoice in giving away on this day.
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrated annually, typically on 14 January, though the date may occasionally vary by a day. In the region of 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 laddoo," 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"), whether committed knowingly or unknowingly. 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 "Makra," symbolizing a deep and enduring friendship. It is commonly believed that friendships celebrated on this day will remain steadfast throughout life.
Sitalsasthi, is the most celebrated mass festival in western Odisha, especially Sambalpur. The festival is a celebration of the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It goes on for days just like a real Hindu marriage. Two local families carry our the responsibilities of the Bride and Groom families. The old areas of Sambalpur like Jharuapada, Nandpada, and Kansaripada attract significant number of visitors due to their age old Sitalsasthi celebrations.
It is mostly known only in the region of Western Orissa. Bhai-juntia festival is celebrated on the Mahastami Day of Durga Puja. 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.
This is also a ritual fasting puja of similar austerity for women of the area. The Pua-juntia festival is observed by mothers to invoke the grace of Lord Dutibahana for the long life and prosperity of their sons.
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. Ratha Yatra is held at almost all central places of Sambalpur.
Shiva Ratri mela or Maha Shivaratri attracts a large numbers of devotees in Sambulpar. This aptly-named festival directly translates to "Night of Shiva", for the central practice for this festival is to worship the religiously-significant figure Lord Shiva. It is observed on Shiva Chaturdashi which takes place on the fourteenth day of the dark half of Falgun. Instead of sleep, the participants of the festival perform various forms of worship including meditation, reading, and/or chanting throughout the night. This festival may align with other astronomically significant events.
Besides the above listed festivals, other religious festivals are observed. These include Dola Jatra, Durga Puja, Janmastami, Dipavali, Ganesh Puja, and Saraswati Puja.
The 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: 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.
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.
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. These instruments play a significant role in cultural and religious practices, particularly during temple rituals such as 'aarti'.
Dhol: It is an age old instrument of Indian folk music. The 'dhol' of Sambalpur is slightly different in its making and use. It is made from the trunk of a tree. Both the side of the 'dhole' are of same size. Sambalpur 'dhole' can be used for any type of Sambalpuri folk song.
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. “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 which is used in slower rhythms. Most of the dance less 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 instrument for Kirtan during Ram Navami. Besides it is used during “Jhumer” and “Karma” style songs. It is an essential part of “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 in the battle field.
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 percussion sort of a single faced and shallow rimmed drums. It’s a tambourine with wooden frame played using the flat of the palm and fingers.
Murdung: 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 which was being played in old times before a king was to proceed for a war or after he won a war. “Ghumra Dance” is based on completely on this musical instruments and a very popular form of dance in Kalahandi. The dancers used to hang this instrument at 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: This is a traditional folk instrument. It is made up 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 dance and nowadays it is called as "Kismi Nach".
Khanjni: This musical instrument is mostly used by followers of “Alekh” sect during their Bhajan and Kirtan. Alekh sect is similar to Jains having many similarities between them. The 'matha' or religious place of Alekh sect is called “Mahima Gadi” where this instrument is worshipped.
Baensi: “Baensi” is spoken this way in the 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 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 instruments made out of Bamboo wood (Kathia) and is inspired by Parrot (Mitu). It somewhat makes sound 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 during 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 mythological topics especially revolving around Krishna in Dvapara Yuga. Ramtali is the main instrument of 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 emanate at a discussion.
Most of the community dances are connected with a function or the worship of a deity. Colourful folk dances are enjoyed by the people.
Dalkhai Dance
Dalkhai is a ritual folk dance. Songs sung on this occasion are known as Dalkhai songs. Young girls from Binjhal,Soura and Mirdha tribes perform this dance during Dusshera, Bhaijuntia and other festive occasions. However, non-tribal people of the mainstream society also participate in these ritual dances and songs without hesitation which is an indicator of the tribal and non tribal interaction. The young girls stand in a line or in a semicircular pattern while dancing (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009).
Karma Dance
Karma is the most colourful dance of the district. It is mainly a tribal dance in honour of "Karam Sani", the deity who grants children, as they believe. Non-tribal people also participate in this ritual dance and songs. In the beginning the dancers enter the dancing arena in two rows. The drumers 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 stepping and movements of the dance are very slow. However, the old and aged women of the villages also play the guiding role during performance of this songs (Pasayat, 2008).
Koisabadi Dance
This dance is prevalent among the Gond and the Bhuyan tribes. Male dancers take part, holding a two-three feet long stick. The songs are mainly based on the immortal love story of Radha and Krishna.
A list of people who have contributed in the growth of Sambalpuri culture and Odia language are given below.
Born on 23 January 1809 in Badgaon village under Dhama P.S. in a Royal Family. He ascended the throne of Sambalpur in the year 1827. Popularly known as a warrior, Surendra Sai led a revolution against the British Rulers, assembling thousands of protesters. He was incarcerated by the then British Rulers and breathed his last on 28 February 1884. Called as Sivaji of Odisha, Surendra Sai has been remembered for his unflinching patriotism, dedication for the motherland. He is regarded as the foremost fighter of Freedom movement of the Country.
Born on 9 August 1862 on the day of Sravana Purnima at Barpali, Bargarh District (undivided Sambalpur Dist.) in a weaver family. Educated up to 5th Class. 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. He is rated as a great poet in Indian Literature. Died on 4 April 1924. 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.’