It was in 2015 that a group of families, newly arrived in the Netherlands from Sambalpur, Burla and Bargarh, began celebrating the Nuakhai festival. At first, the group was small, and the celebrations took place in their homes each year. They prepared traditional foods, decorated their houses, and organized small activities as part of these gatherings. Over time, the community grew as more people arrived in the Netherlands for professional work. In 2019, “MUHURI” was formed as a logo and identity, marking the first time Nuakhai was celebrated on a large scale outside of homes. Since then, the group has become active in organizing numerous events and continues to promote Sambalpuri culture and traditions throughout Europe.
Life in Western Odisha is marked by seasonal festivals tied to agriculture and local myths.
- Nuakhai – The most important festival, celebrating the first harvest of rice. Families gather to offer the new grain to their household deity before feasting together.
- Dhanuyatra – Held in Bargarh, it is considered the world’s largest open-air theatre festival, re-enacting the life story of Lord Krishna over several days.
- Karma Festival – A tribal-origin festival honoring the Karam tree and celebrating nature’s bounty through dance and song.
- Makar Sankranti, Holi, and Rath Yatra – Celebrated with local variations.
These occasions involve elaborate rituals, colorful attire, and communal feasts, reinforcing social bonds.
Ethnicity
Western Odisha, especially the Sambalpuri region, has a distinct socio-cultural identity shaped by centuries of interaction between indigenous tribal traditions and Odia mainstream culture. The region’s communities—comprising diverse groups such as Sambalpuri speaking farmers, artisans, traders, and tribal populations—share a deep connection to folk traditions, festivals, and community-based living.
Language & Folklore
The regional language, Sambalpuri, is rich in proverbs, idioms, and folk songs like Dalkhai, Sajani, and Rangabati. Folk dances such as Dalkhai, Karma, and Raas are integral to celebrations, blending tribal rhythms with agrarian symbolism.
