Sambalpuri Day To Mark Birth Anniversary Of Poet Satyanarayan Bohidar

Sambalpur: Paschimanchala Akata Manch has decided to observe the birth anniversary of poet Satyanarayan Bohidar as ‘Sambalpuri Day’ on Wednesday (August 1).

Bohidar was a teacher in the Chandrasekhar Behera Zilla School and had written many popular poems in Sambalpuri language.

A mass cultural festival of dance and song on the street between Jail Chhak and Kacheri Chhak is being organised to mark the occasion. While people will be seen in colourful traditional attire of western Odisha, food items popular in the region will also be sold. Among the main attractions will be a Sambalpuri ‘pitha’ competition and a fashion show.

“Apart from the cultural programmes, Sambalpuri poetry recitation will see a gathering of eminent cultural and literary organizations,” said Paschimanchala Akata Manch convenor Bhawani Bhoi.

He said the main aim of the function is to promote Sambalpuri culture, language and its tradition in the present modern-day context.

“Socio-cultural troupes such as Lahari, Natraj, Adivasi Kala Kendra, Kala-O-Kalakar, Loka Nrutya Parishad are expected to participate in the event. Singers Syam Sundar Dhar, Durga Das, LipikaBohidar, Raj Kumar Jal and Padmini Dora will perform while the dhol, muhuri and nishan will be played,” Bhoi added.

On the occasion, actor Atal Bihari Panda will be honoured with ‘Satyanarayan Bohidar Memorial Award’.

A video describing and announcing the Sambalpuri Day, was also uploaded by one of the YouTube users.