The association says western Orissa has developed
a unique culture which expresses itself in a language called Sambalpuri that is distinct
from Oriya. The folk songs and dances of Sambalpur are not only expressions of emotions
but also of finer elements of life and living scientifically, fused into the rhythm of the
percussion instruments of the region. In fact, the songs and dances have been revived and
recognised in the past quarter of a century. In Orissa, Sambalpuri dance is so popular
that it comes next only to the State’s classical dance, Odissi.
The Sambalpuri dance has a number of forms, with different lyrics and rhythms, that have
originated from different castes/tribes and ethnic groups in the area and are based on
different religious festivals/rituals and deities. Although a number of folk instruments
were used in Sambalpuri music, song and dance, only four among the oldest percussion
instruments such as dhol, mandal, nishan and tasha are now used, the association says.
Tours to Sambalpur are unforgettable journeys through the
varying landscapes, rich cultural and folk traditions, and art forms that are unique to
the western region of Orissa. Long considered a gateway to unlocking the treasures of
beauty and art housed within Orissa, tours to Sambalpur is a must at least once in your
lifetime.
A famous university town in Orissa, Sambalpur has fascinating escapes all planned for the
adventurous traveler who wills to explore the raw gregarious beauty of the region. Tourism
of Orissa helps you realize your wishes with its customized tour packages to Sambalpur.
Covered in dense evergreen forests, Sambalpur is an exposition of waterfalls, wildlife,
tribal culture, folk dance and music, handicrafts and monuments. Known as Sambalaka in
Ptolemy's account of Orissa, Sambalpur was once the center of Vajrayana Buddhism
propagated by the then ruler of the region - Indrabhuti.
The major tourist attractions within Sambalpur are the temples of Samaleswari,
Patneswari, Budha Raja, Brahmapura and the Gopaljee monastery.
Also shop in the local markets such as the Gole Bazaar and the state emporiums or
co-operatives for Sambalpuri textiles (ikat weaving). You can also attend
a show of Sambalpuri dance in the nearby tribal villages.
There are many attractions within easy reach of Sambalpur that ought not to be missed on
your tour to Sambalpur, Orissa. Hirakud Dam across the mighty Mahanadi
River is the longest dam in the world that affords breathtaking view of the expansive
river and the banks that recede from view. The most spectacular views can be seen from the
minarets at the two ends of the dam - Gandhi and Nehru Minar.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Badrama National Park
are popular tourist destinations with the wildlife enthusiasts. The national park and
sanctuary extend shelter to endangered species such as elephants, tigers, gours, sambars,
black-panthers, deers and wild boar.
Other places that are also popular tourist destinations in Rourkela include the temples of
Vidala-Nrusimha and Harisankar along with the mesmerizing waterfalls at Nrusimhanath;
the only Leaning Temple of Orissa at Huma; caves with
undeciphered pictographic inscriptions at Vikramkhol; and waterfalls
of the Pradhanpat Hills.
There are many hotels and lodges in Sambalpur where you can stay comfortably during your
tour to Sambalpur.
The western Orissa has also great variety of dance forms unique to Orissa culture.The
children's verses are known as "Chhiollai", "Humobauli" and
"Dauligit", the adolescent poems are "Sajani", "Chhata",
"Daika", "Bhekani" : the eternal youth composes "Rasarkeli",
"Jaiphul", "Maila Jada", "Bayamana", "Gunchikuta"
and "Dalkhai", The work-man's poetry comprises "Karma" and
"Jhumer" pertaining to Vishwakarma and the "Karamashani" deities. The
professional entertainers perform Dand, Danggada, Mudgada, Ghumra, Sadhana, sabar –
Sabaren, Disdigo, Nachina – Bajnia, Samparda and Sanchar. They are for all occasions,
for all time with varieties of rhythm and rhyme. Pala is a unique form of balladry in
Orissa, which artistically combines elements of theatre, classical Odissi music, highly
refined Oriya and Sanskrit poetry, wit, and humour. The literal meaning of pala is turn.
It is more sophisticated than the other Oriya ballad tradition, Daskathia. Pala is
presented in three ways. The names can be mentioned as baithaki or `seated`, in which the
performers sit on the ground throughout. The other one is thia or `standing`. This is more
popular and aesthetically more satisfying, in which they stand. Badi is a kind of thia in
which two groups vie for excellence. This is the most entertaining, as there is an element
of competition.
