Bhubaneswar: The rich cultural heritage of Odisha is incomplete without its sweet dialects, music, colours and the essence of diversity.
Every single district of the state have some unique addition to the culture, whether it is in terms of delicacies, art forms, architecture or literature.
Similarly, the Sambalpuri language which is predominantly spoken by people of nine districts which includes Sambalpur, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Boudh, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Nuapada, and Subarnapur is widely known for distinctive pronunciation which is different from conventional Odia language.
To celebrate richness of Sambalpuri culture and its historical significance, the Sambalpuri Day, popularly known as ‘Sambalpuri Din’ is celebrated every year on August 1, on occasion of the birth anniversary of great scholar and promoter of Sambalpuri language, Guru Satya Narayan Bohidar.
Bohidar was born on August 1, 1913 in undivided Sambalpur district, present-day Sonepur region to father Mitrabhanu Bohidar and Bilasbati Bohidar.
Since his school days showed great interest literature, and spent his formative years in Sambalpur learning about the history, cultural heritage, art forms and language.
Sambalpuri language which was predominantly considered as dialect of Odia language, got its separate identity due to contributions of Bohidar who with his immense efforts authored the ‘Sambalpuri Bhasakosh’, dictionary of Sambalpuri language.
He also wrote many books in Sambalpuri language, contributing towards expansion of Sambalpuri language throughout Odisha.
He popular works includes ‘Tik Chahnra'(1975), ‘Ghuvkudu’, ‘Ghavghavo’ and several other poems in Sambalpuri language.
Guru Bohidar passed at age of 67 on December 31, 1980.
Sambalpuri Day is celebrated throughout the state, predominantly in districts of Western Odisha with great pomp and gaiety, where people celebrate by singing, dancing and by wearing Sambalpuri handloom clothes.
On the occasion of Sambalpuri Day, 2024, the official handle of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s office conveyed greetings in Sambalpuri language and posted, “Heartiest greeting and well wishes to all, on the auspicious occasion of birth anniversary of Guru Satya Narayan Bohidar, who is identity of Sambalpuri language, literature and culture.”
