Culture is an
integral part of the integrity of Sambalpur people. Its language,
dance, songs and festivals everything is intensely linked with the
cultural heritage of the district. Its language is consider as a
distinctive feature of the people belonging here. There are two
language group, Mundari language group and the Dravidian language
group. When it comes to dance forms of this district, these are
mostly connected with a function or the worship of a deity. Music is
also a vital part of its culture. Sital sashti, nuakhai and
puajiuntia are among the most popular festivals that are celebrated
by the people here. Sambalpuri sarees have gained worldwide
recognition for their fine texture and beauty. Sambalpuri texttile
industry is widely known for its classic designs and polished
fabrics.
People of
Sambalpur district mostly enjoy colourful folk dances. The community
dances are connected with the worship of the deity Samalaeiswari.
Dhalkhai dance is performed by young girls of Binjhals, Soura and
Mirdha tribes during Dussehra, Bhaijiuntia and other festive
occasions. The young girls stand in a line or in a semicircular
pattern singing songs known as Dalkhai songs. Karma is the most
colourful dance of Sambalpur district. It is a tribal dance in honour
of "Karam Sani", the deity who grants children. In the
beginning the dancers enter the dancing arena in two rows. The
drummers and the singers accompany with rhythmic steps. Humo and
Bauli are the two playful dances performed by young and unmarried
girls on special occasions. The stepping and movements of the dance
are very slow. Koisabadi 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
Lord Krishna.
The Folk
instruments which are in vogue in Sambalpur district region are
Dhole, Madal, Nishan, Tasa, Pakhoj, Bansi, Bir-Kahali, Gini, Ektara,
Muhuri, Ghulgula, Ghunguru, Jhanj etc. Dhole is an age old instrument
of Folk Music. The Dhole of Sambalpur is to some extent different in
its making and use. Made from the trunk of a tree, the sides of the
Dhole are of same size. Sambalpur dhole can be used for any type of
Sambalpuri Folk Song. The Sambalpuri Madal is dissimilar from that of
all other parts of India. The Madal is made out of fired clay and is
shaped like a cylinder. Madal is a drum which is used in slower
rhythms. Most of the dance less songs is accomplished with the Madal.
Nishan is made out of iron sheets. The sound emitted by the Nishan is
heart-throbbing. This is mostly used in worship of Goddess Kali or
Goddess Durga and in the battle field.
Festivals of
Sambalpur help to illustrate the vibrant culture of the place. Sital
Sasthi is the Marriage Ceremony of Lord Shiva with Parvati. The
festival is observed in the month of June with pomp and ceremony at
Sambalpur district and is extended for a week. Pilgrims from the
neighbouring districts and States of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar also
take part in the festival. Lakhs of people gather together in this
week long festival. Nuakhai is the most important social festival of
this district. Generally it takes place during the month of August
and September. The first grains of the paddy crop, cooked into
various dishes are offered to the deities. Thereafter the eldest
member of the family distributes new rice to the junior members of
the family. It is a community festival celebrated by every Hindu
family. Bhaijiuntia festival is celebrated on the Mahastami Day of
Durga Puja. It is a total fasting undertaken by women for the whole
day and night to seek Goddess Durga`s blessing for the long life of
their brothers. The Puajiuntia festival is observed by mothers to
invoke the grace of Lord Dutibahana for the long life and prosperity
of their sons. Others religious festivals which are observed include
Shiva Ratri, Dola Yatra, Durga Puja, Janmastami, Diwali, Ganesh Puja
and Saraswati Puja.
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