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Sambalpur in western Orissa, India, has a distinct culture and identity in terms of language, dance, songs and clothing.
Contents
Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav
A cultural manifestation of the hidden age-old traditional performing art of a this geographical area is possible through this annual celebration of the festival in the name of” Lok Mahotsav”. This festival is a reflection of the socio- anthropological evolution of the people of this area. Here “Lok” means “People” only.
Sitalsasthi Carnival
The marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati has been celebrated as Sitalsasthi for hundreds of years now in Sambalpur.
Festivals
Nuakhai
This is the most important social festival of Sambalpur. Generally it takes place during the months of August and September. Preliminary preparation for the festival starts 15 days before. The first grains of the paddy crop are cooked into various dishes and offered to the deities. Then the eldest member of the family distributes new rice to the junior members of the family. Every house is completely cleaned. People around the community meet and greet each other. It is a community festival generally celebrated by both rich and poor Hindu families.
Makar-Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14th of January every year. In Western Orissa, it is celebrated little bit differently. People perform various puja and rituals in temples and across rivers and present the God with "Prasad" like "Till ka laddoo" which comprises till, sugarcane, good, people here believe impressing the God and Goddess will wash away all the bad things ("paap") that they might have done knowingly or unknowingly. Also, Makar Sankranti symbolizes the beautiful bond between friends. On this auspicious day best friends perform some sort of ritual("puja") under the presence of God and Goddess and seek their blessings. Once the ritual is done they are supposed to address their friend as "Makra" which means beloved friend/best friend. There is a belief here, that if you recognize your friendship on this day, it will last forever till death takes you apart.
Bhai-juntia
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.
Puo-juntia
This is also a ritual fasting puja of similar austerity for women of the area. The Puo-juntia festival is observed by mothers to invoke the grace of Lord Dutibahana for the long life and prosperity of their sons.
Besides the above listed festivals, other religious festivals are observed. These include Shiva Ratri, Dola Jatra, Durga Puja, Janmastami, Dipavali, Ganesh Puja, and Saraswati Puja.
Shiva Ratri mela at Huma attracts a large numbers of devotees. Ratha Yatra is held at almost all central places of Sambalpur. On the occasion of Makara Jatra, a fair is held at Themra in Sambalpur.
The most popular festivals celebrated by Muslims are Id-Ul-Fitre, Id-Ul-Juha and Muharram. The Sikhs also celebrate the birth day of Guru Nanak.
Music
The folk instruments which are in vogue in Sambalpur region are Dhole, Madal, Nishan, Tasa, Pakhoj, Bansi, Bir-Kahali, Gini, Ektara, Muhuri, Ghulgula, Ghunguru, Jhanj etc.. They are widely used in temples during 'aarti'.
Dhole: It is an age old instrument of Indian folk music. The 'dhole' 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.
Madal: The Sambalpuri 'madal' is different from that of all other parts of India. The 'madal' is made out of fired clay and is like a cylinder. Madal is a drum which is used in slower rhythms. Most of the danceless songs are accomplished with the Madal.
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.
Dance
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 of Binjhals, Soura and Mirdha tribes perform this dance during Dusserah, Bhaijuntia and other festive occasions. However, non tribal people also participate in this ritual dance and songs without hesitation which is an indicator of the tribal and non tribal interaction in Kosal. 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 dramers 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 feet long stick. The songs are mainly based on the immortal love story of Radha and Krishna.
Eminent personalities
A list of people who have contributed in the growth of Sambalpuri culture and language are given below.