Sambalpur

Sambalpur is a city in western Odisha, India, and the administrative headquarters of Sambalpur district. It sits on the left bank of the Mahanadi River and has historically been an important center in western Odisha. It served as the capital of the princely state of Sambalpur during British rule.

Economy and culture: The city is renowned for Sambalpuri handloom weaving, particularly Ikkat dye patterns used in traditional sarees and textiles. Handloom weaving remains a major economic activity and is linked to a network of villages in the surrounding district. The cultural heritage includes classical music, dance, and regional crafts. The Sambalpuri dialect of Odia is widely spoken.

Landmarks and institutions: The Samaleswari Temple, dedicated to goddess Samaleswari, is a major religious site in Sambalpur. The nearby Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River, completed in the 1950s, created one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs and plays a key role in irrigation and flood control.

Education: The city is a center for education in western Odisha. Burla, a town near Sambalpur, hosts Sambalpur University (established 1967) and the Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, along with a medical college and other institutions in the Burla–Rairakhol region.

Demographics and culture: The population is predominantly Odia-speaking, with Sambalpuri as a regional dialect. Nuakhai, the harvest festival, is widely celebrated in the area and shapes local customs and cuisine.

Connectivity and climate: Sambalpur has road and rail connections to major cities in Odisha and India. The climate is tropical with a hot summer season and a pronounced monsoon. The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar and Jharsuguda.