Sambalpuri Diwas: Maa Samaleswari graces devotees in Sambalpuri attire

Sambalpur: To mark the occasion of Sambalpuri Diwas celebrated on August 1, Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Odisha's Sambalpur district graced devotees adorned in the traditional handloom attire of the region here today.

Other deities in the temple complex along with the Singha Vahana too were clad in Sambalpuri weaves.

As per reports, Sambalpuri sarees and cloth for all dieties were given by Maa Samaleswari Mahima Prachar Samiti to the temple trust board and servitors of the shrine. While Samalei Maa and Maa Siddhidatri were clad in Sambalpuri sarees, Lord Bhairav was given a white Sambalpuri gamcha (towel) and Lord Bajrangbali a saffron Sambalpuri cloth. Maa Kali and other dieties in the surrounding temple complex were similarly attired in the traditional textile of the region.

Addressing mediapersons, Mahima Prachar Samiti member Tribikram Pradhan said Sambalpur and Sambalpuri fabric owe their origins to Maa Samaleswari. To commemorate the legacy, we have been making efforts to ensure that Maa gives darshan to devotees in the traditional Sambalpuri attire. This will not just have a bigger visual appeal but also help keep the rich tradition of the region alive," he said.

Sambalpuri Diwas is observed to celebrate the birthday of famed Sambalpuri writer Satya Narayan Bohidar. Known as the pioneer of  Sambalpuri language and grammar, this occasion commemorates his immense contribution to literature and culture of the area. Born in Sonepur, Boridar had come to Sambalpur for higher studies and since then, his love for the local dialect had fuelled his creative zeal to develop the language. He has authored many books, dictionary, biographies and literary translations in Sambalpuri which helped create a distinct identity to the region.