Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and others greeted people on the occasion of ‘Sambalpuri Din’ on Saturday, being observed on the birth anniversary of the doyen of Sambalpuri literature Satya Narayan Bohidar.
“On this auspicious day of Sambalpuri Day, August 1st, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sambalpur and Western Odisha, fervently praying for the continued flourishing prosperity of our great heritage, folk songs, folk dances, language, and culture,” the Governor said in a post on X.
The Chief Minister also took to X to extend greetings and congratulations on the occasion of Sambalpuri Day and the birth anniversary of Guru Satyanarayan Bohidar.
“Our Sambalpuri language, culture, folk arts, folk songs, dance, handloom weaving, and traditions are our pride and identity. Generation after generation, this rich heritage has bound us together with the thread of unity and has created a unique identity for Odisha in the entire world. Let us, on this auspicious occasion, resolve to further enrich our heritage, our pride, and our identity,” Majhi said in a post on X
It may be noted that special functions are held in Bhubaneswar and different places of western Odisha on this day, which marks the birth anniversary of Sambalpuri poet Guru Satnarayan Bohidar.
Satyanarayan Bohidar is known as the pioneer of Sambalpuri language and grammar. The poet was born on August 1, 1913 at Sonepur.
In 2013, on his 100th birth anniversary, ‘Paschima Anchal Ekta Manch’ decided to celebrate the day as Sambalpuri Day. Most of the people of the region wear traditional Sambalpuri dress on this day.
Bohidar spread the art and culture of Sambalpur. So to honour him, we will be holding cultural events like dance, song, play, food and costumes.
Bohidar was born in Sonepur. But his creative years were spent in Sambalpur, where he was brought by his aunt after the death of his mother. Bohidar completed his studies in Samablpur and then started his professional career as a teacher from Baragad.
He was a student in Sambalpur Zilla School and later a teacher in the same school. His first literary piece was published when he was in Class-X. It is believed that he laid the foundation of Sambalpur literature.
He used to encourage other people and his students to write in Sambalpuri language. Many people consider Satyanarayan Bohidar as their Guru. He had also inspired Ranjit Nath for Sambalpuri dance. Satyanarayan Bohidar played an important role in spreading Sambalpuri art and culture.
Bohidar had also prepared a dictionary and grammar in Sambalpuri language. He is the author of ‘Kosali Bhasakosh’. His works also include Tik Chahnra (1975), Ghavghavo, Ghuvkudu and many more. He wrote all these books in Kosali or Sambalpuri language besides many poems.
Satya Narayan Bohidar died on December 31, 1980.