Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha

Odisha is a confluence of the Aryan, Dravidian, and Adivasi cultures, with most festivals, art, and cultural traditions in the state reflecting aspects of these diverse cultures. Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the enchanting western zone of Odisha, being the epicenter of a very high-profile and rich culture. Its art and culture encompass a unique blend of dance, music, handicrafts, beliefs, social values, and traditional practices.

Sambalpuri Bandha (Ikat) work, or Sambalpuri work, involves tie-dyeing the warp and the weft before weaving. This distinctive art form is produced in Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Boudh, and Sonepur Districts of Odisha. The traditional garments feature motifs like Sankha (conch shell), Chakra (wheel), and Phula (flower), deeply symbolic of Odia culture, with colors such as red, black, and white representing Odia culture, along with the color of the face of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha.

The traditional craftsmanship of ‘Bandhakala,’ or tie-dye art, reflected in intricate weaves, is also known as ‘Sambalpuri Ikat.’ This technique involves tie-dyeing threads before weaving, with the entire process taking several weeks. The Ikat sarees gained popularity outside Odisha in the 1980s and 1990s. The Bandha sarees were historically known as ‘Bhulia Kapta.’ Shri Radhashyam Meher played a pioneering role in advancing the skills of craftsmen and the quality of Sambalpuri textiles.

Acknowledging Radhashyam Meher’s unparalleled contributions to the growth and popularity of Bandha art, the Ministry of Textiles of the Government of India has sponsored textile exhibitions coinciding with his birth anniversary. Sagarpalli, a large village in Sonepur district, hosts around 500 Bhulia families and is one of the largest weaving villages, known for Sambalpuri sarees. Other areas affluent with handloom weavers include Barpalli, Tarava, Bijepur, Patnagarh, and Bargarh.

Nuakhai festival, a tradition since the 12th century A.D., is celebrated across Western Odisha with great joy and happiness. It is an annual harvest festival observed to welcome the newly harvested rice of the season. The festival, observed on Panchami Tithi of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada or Bhadraba, signifies social bonding and strong family ties. Nuakhai has nine sets of rituals, from Behrana to Juhar Bhet, and is considered auspicious in Western Odisha.

Sitala Sasthi Yatra, celebrated in Western Odisha, solemnizes the divine couple’s marriage, signifying the onset of the monsoon season. Dhanu Yatra, accorded National Festival status by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, is performed in various places in Western Odisha, notably in Bargarh. It portrays episodes from the life of Lord Sri Krishna, including Krishna and Balaram’s visit to Mathura to witness the Dhanu Yatra Ceremony of King Kansa.

Sambalpuri Folk Dance, originating from Western Odisha, particularly the erstwhile Sambalpur District, is known for its distinctive cultural identity. This dance form, often performed during festivals like Dussehra and Nuakhai, is accompanied by the rhythm of local instruments like Dhol, Tasha, Nishaan, Jhanjh, and Muhuri, creating a vibrant blend of traditional and modern movements.

The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of commemorative postage stamps on the Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha, acknowledging its rich culture and heritage, which positively influences the beliefs, traditions, and lifestyle of its people.