About Sambalpuri Din

Sambalpuri Din or Sambalpuri Day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Satyanarayan Bohidar whose age defining contributions to the promotion of the dialect through his books literally provided the western-Odisha language the identity it has today. The day celebrated August 1st of every year. Thanks to him, ‘Sambalpuri’ today is not confined only to the unique fabric the cloth design that the local artisans weave, but it has established itself as a vibrant language enriched with the culture and traditions of the region. Known as the pioneer of Sambalpuri language and grammar, Bohidar was born today (Aug 1) in 1913 at Sonepur, then undivided Sambalpur. His formative and creative years were spent in Sambalpur and produced a good number of literary translations and biographies. Sambalpuri Din is a joyous celebration of the rich and diverse culture of Sambalpur, a beautiful region in Odisha, India. This event is a tribute to the artistic heritage and cultural significance of Sambalpuri traditions. Through various performances, exhibits, and interactive activities, Sambalpuri Din aims to promote and preserve the unique art forms and customs of the region. Join us to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, rhythms, and stories that define Sambalpuri culture.

Sambalpuri Culture

Sambalpuri culture is deeply rooted in the rural lifestyle and ancient traditions of the people living in and around the Sambalpur district of Odisha. It is a culture that values simplicity, nature, and community spirit. The region is known for its rich folklore, music, dance forms, and rituals that celebrate the agricultural cycles and significant life events. Sambalpuri culture exemplifies the harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature, with a profound respect for the environment and its resources.

Sambalpuri Sarees

One of the most iconic and treasured aspects of Sambalpuri culture is the renowned Sambalpuri sarees. These handwoven sarees are a symbol of elegance and craftsmanship. The traditional art of tie-and-dye, known as "Bandha" or "Ikat," is employed to create intricate patterns and designs on the fabric. Sambalpuri sarees often feature motifs inspired by nature, such as flowers, birds, and elephants. The colors and designs vary, and each saree is a masterpiece that reflects the skill and creativity of the weavers. Sambalpuri sarees are not just garments; they are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region and are treasured as heirlooms and special gifts.

Sambalpuri Handicrafts

Sambalpur is also renowned for its exquisite handicrafts, which showcase the skill and creativity of local artisans. Some notable Sambalpuri handicrafts include:

• Dhokra Art: Intricately crafted metal figurines made using the ancient lost-wax casting technique.
• Terracotta Pottery: Traditional earthenware made into beautiful pots, sculptures, and decorative items.
• Stone Carvings: Elaborate stone sculptures depicting religious and cultural themes, often used for temple decorations.
• Palm Leaf Crafts: Engraved palm leaves transformed into artistic souvenirs and paintings.
• Wooden Artifacts: Wooden items like toys, masks, and utility items adorned with intricate carvings.

Sambalpuri Cuisine

Sambalpuri cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and traditional cooking techniques. The region's fertile lands offer a bounty of fresh vegetables, grains, and seafood, which form the foundation of Sambalpuri dishes. Some popular Sambalpuri delicacies include:

• Chaul bara: A crunchy snack just like bara made of rice powder and black gram , this is an all time favourite chatpata snack. Usually baras are made out of urad daal, but the use of rice powder makes it more scrumptious and different from the others.
• Rasbaraa: Soaked moong dal is ground to which crushed cardamoms and baking soda are added ,which is whisked and made into a paste. Small balls of this paste are fried golden brown and dunked in the sugar syrup for 4-5 minutes. This sweet and tasty dish just melts in the mouth and is an apt sweet dish.
• Sarsatiaa: This sweet delicacy is becoming extinct. Sarsatia resembles vermicelli and tastes crunchy, sweet and crisp. The most interesting part is that the twigs from the tree Ganjer are used to make the resin to which sugar is added to prepare the sweet base. The dhenki kuta arua powder (rice powder) and sugar is mixed with water to make the batter which is fried in the shape of vermicelli.
• Tikhri: It is a desi pudding made out of moong, jaggery and water. The moong can be substituted with mandia (millet) and palluai. This dish is good for the stomach and healthy too.
• Gaham bara: Gaham Bara or gulgula is a sweet dumpling made out of wheat batter, deep fried and dunked into a sweet syrup.
• Ruguda chati: Typical variety of mushroom that is found only during the monsoons is used in this dish. The earthy taste is the USP of this dish and this edible mushroom, which grows only in dense forests is usually handpicked by tribal women who go deep into the forests to collect them. These mushrooms are mostly found under trees and give a run to any non-vegetarian dish any day.
• Tol bhaja: Tol is the fruit of the Mahua tree and the flowers are known as Mahul phul. A distinct dish of western Odisha the Tol fruit is de-seeded and the flesh is cut into pieces, mixed with particular vegetables or saag to be made into a mouth-watering dish.
• Patalghanta dhuldula: Tomato is known as Patalghanta in western Odisha. This is roasted or sauted lightly in oil and mashed to which mustard oil, chopped onions and green chillies are added. This dish is also enjoyed in other parts of Odisha and equally relished by all.
• Lethaa: Letha is an authentic and traditional dish of Western Odisha. Basically it is a soupy- dish with different vegetables consisting of a unique spicy-sour taste. In some places this is also identified as ambil.
• Jhuri Purga: This delectable dish has small fish (known as Jarda) cooked in mustard paste and flavoured with lemon juice. Eaten with rice this dish is favoured by all.

Traditions and Customs

Sambalpur's traditions are deeply rooted in its rural lifestyle and agricultural practices. Various customs and rituals are observed during significant occasions such as weddings, festivals, and religious events. The community's close connection with nature is evident in rituals that celebrate the changing seasons and agricultural abundance. Some prominent traditions include:

• Nuakhai: A major harvest festival where farmers offer the first grains from their fields to the deities in gratitude. Families come together to enjoy special meals and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest.
• Karma Puja: A tribal festival that worships the Karma tree, believed to be the protector of the crops. People dance, sing, and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness.

Highlights

• Traditional Sambalpuri dance performances
• Exhibition of Sambalpuri textiles and handicrafts
• Live music and folk performances
• Delicious Sambalpuri cuisine
• Interactive workshops

Join Us!

Come and be a part of this cultural extravaganza. Celebrate the spirit of Sambalpuri culture with us on this special day.