Sambalpur: People across western Odisha celebrated Sambalpuri Day (Sambalpuri Din) with traditional fervour on Saturday, wearing Sambalpuri handloom attire, relishing regional delicacies and participating in cultural programmes to honour the region’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Observed annually on August 1, the day marks the birth anniversary of Guru Satya Narayan Bohidar, a noted scholar who played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the Sambalpuri language. Born in 1913 in the then undivided Sambalpur district, Bohidar devoted his life to the growth of Sambalpuri literature and culture.
Bohidar authored Sambalpuri Bhasakosh, the first dictionary of the Sambalpuri language, which helped establish its distinct identity. He also penned several literary works, including Tik Chahnra, Ghuvkudu and Ghavghavo. He passed away on December 31, 1980.
Sambalpuri is predominantly spoken across nine districts of western Odisha—Sambalpur, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Boudh, Sundaragada, Deogarh, Nuapada and Subarnapur. Known for its distinct dialect and vibrant folk traditions, the language remains an integral part of the region’s cultural identity.
Greeting people on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said Sambalpuri language, folk art, music, dance, handloom and traditions are symbols of Odisha’s pride and identity, and urged people to preserve and enrich the rich cultural legacy.
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik paid tribute to Guru Satya Narayan Bohidar and extended greetings on Sambalpuri Day.
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan said the day reflects pride in the region’s language, literature and culture, while Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also conveyed his greetings to the people.
