Sambalpur, Aug 1: People across Western Odisha celebrated Sambalpuri Din on Friday with traditional music, dance and cultural programmes to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Satyanarayan Bohidar, revered as the father of the Sambalpuri language.

From remote villages to bustling towns, people dressed in traditional Sambalpuri attire participated in colourful processions and cultural performances. Folk instruments such as the dhol, nisan and tasa filled the air with rhythmic beats, while popular folk songs like Rasarkeli Bo and Dalkhai Re added to the festive spirit.

The day honours Guru Satyanarayan Bohidar, who was born in 1913 and is credited with giving Sambalpuri its grammatical foundation. His literary works, including biographies and translations, played a key role in transforming Sambalpuri from an oral dialect into a recognised literary language.

While Sambalpuri is widely known for its distinctive handloom textiles, the annual celebration highlights its rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Sambalpuri Din serves as a tribute to Bohidar's enduring legacy and reinforces the region's commitment to preserving its unique traditions, language and identity.

This year's celebrations reflected a renewed sense of pride among people in promoting and safeguarding the vibrant cultural heritage of Western Odisha.