Jharsuguda District has a rich and developed cultural heritage. Various fairs and festivals observed round the year for centuries, indicates its cultural and religious richness. Though many of the fairs and festivals are common to other parts of Odisha there are few which are distinct and special. Some of the indigenous festivals of Jharsuguda District are Ratha Yatra of Kukurjunga, Ranjta Festival, Gokulastami Jatra of Rajpur and Makar Ratha Jatra of Belpahar.
Important Fairs and Festival of Jharsuguda district:
Famous Ratha Yatra of Jharsuguda:
Shri Patitapaban Shrikhetra Jagannath Temple,Kukurjangha,Jharsuguda
The Jagannath Temple in Kukurjanga, located in Jharsuguda district, was built in 1215 AD, making it over 800 years old. According to legend, Madhusudan Singh, the king of the region and a patron of Vaishnavism, had a divine dream about Lord Jagannath, instructing him to build a temple at Kukurjangha , just 5km from Jharsuguda. The king, deeply devoted to Lord Jagannath, decided to fulfill this divine command and built the temple under his direct supervision. The construction was completed within the prescribed time, and the Chaturdhamurthi idols were enshrined on the Ratna Singhasan.
The temple has maintained traditional worship practices, following the same rituals as those in Puri. It is known for its unique Rath Yatra, where the chariot is pulled by three bamboo pieces, unlike other places. The chariot stands 45 feet tall with 16 wheels, carrying the three deities. Unlike other Jagannath temples, the Lord’s return from the Yatra is on Guru Purnima, after 14 days of journey, instead of the usual 9 days.
The temple’s renovation (Nabakalebara) is also performed according to the same rules followed in Puri. The temple has remained a center of devotion, with generations of kings and locals serving the Lord.
* Archaeological Evidence:
Naga-Nagi Sculptural Survey: Historical Evidence from Shri Patita Paban Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple, Jharsuguda.
During a cultural and sculptural survey of early Western Odisha (9th–12th century A.D.), a significant archaeological finding was made at the Jagannath Temple in Kukurjangha, located 8 km from Jharsuguda town.
A rectangular stone slab (30" x 18") was discovered within the temple premises, showcasing a Naga-Nagi couple carved in classical early medieval style — upper body human, lower body serpentine. Between the couple stands a smaller figure in the same hybrid form, likely their child. Notably, crescent moon and sun motifs are engraved above, often associated with Sati-stones or royal memorials.
Why This Matters
This stone slab, stylistically and iconographically consistent with the 9th–12th century Somavamsi period, serves as concrete archaeological evidence that:
- Jagannath worship in Kukurjangha dates back to at least the early medieval period.
- The temple likely had royal patronage, possibly linked to a Naga dynasty.
- Kukurjangha was a significant religious site during that time.
This discovery adds a new historical dimension to the legacy of the Shri Patita Paban Jagannath Temple in Kukurjangha, confirming its ancient roots and cultural importance in the spiritual landscape of Odisha.
* Government Records and References:
The Jagannath Temple in Kukurjanga, located about 5 km from Jharsuguda, was constructed in 1570 by Madhusudan Singh, the Gauntia of Kukurjanga, during the reign of Chhatra Sai Dev, the 7th King of Sambalpur State (1559-1592). Madhusudan Singh, the elder brother of Prananath Singh, the Rampur Zamindar, built this temple using bricks, similar to other temples in the Sambalpur region. The temple stands 45 feet tall, with a rectangular base measuring 25 feet by 20 feet. It was later rebuilt in 1813, as recorded in an inscription found on the inner wall of the temple.
An Aruna Stambha (32 feet high) and Garuda Stambha (6 feet high) were also constructed in front of the temple. The temple enshrines the deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
Historical Proof:
The existence and historical significance of the temple are supported by government records, including the History of Sambalpur by S.P. Das, cited in the Sambalpur District Gazetteer of 1971.
Conclusion:
The Shri Patita Paban Shri Khetra Jagannath Temple of Jharsuguda is not merely a religious shrine but a living testimony to Odisha’s rich spiritual, cultural, and architectural legacy. With its origins rooted in legend and validated by archaeological and historical records, the temple stands as an enduring center of faith and devotion, continuing its sacred traditions for over 800 years.
Ranjta Festival:
Sambalpur was established in the 16th century by the Lt Chauhan king ‘Balram Dev’ a clansman of ‘Prhtivi Raj Chauhan’ the last independent Hindu king of India. During the rule of Chauhan kings, Ranjta festival was started in the capital town of Sambalpur and in vassal states and Jamindaries of Sambalpur. This festival is observed every year on the night of 10th day of Suklapaksha of the month of Aswin. In the district the festival is observed in Jharsuguda town and Kolabira. The descendants of the Jamindars move in procession around the village or town along with ‘Patakhanda’ or (Royal sword). During the royal robs the Jamindar along with his subjects parade in the village with weapons such as sword, muskets, spears, bows & arrows, which remind the valor of the ancestors and the family deity is worshipped the whole day. The common people also take part in this Ranjta Utsav. They demonstrate the martial skills learnt from the erstwhile soldiers of the Jamindars, to the sound of the martial drum-beating. Thousands assemble to witness the festivals.
Famous Gokulastami Jatra of Rajpur:
Gokulastami Jatra is being observed with pomp & ceremony from the time of the Jamindar of Rajpur who were the descendent of ‘Madhukar Sai’ the king of Sambalpur. The festival symbolizes a folk ceremony signifying an Agrarian culture. The festival also symbolizes the welfare of cattle & other domestic animals used in agriculture. It is observed by the farmers of Rajpur every year on the 8th day of bright fortnight in the month of Margasira. The focal point of this festival is the Jagannath Temple, situated in-front of the palace of the Jamindar of Rajpur. From the evening of the 7th day of bright fortnight of Margasira an idol of Krishna, carrying the mount ‘Goverdhan’ is prepared, which is worshiped in the midst of chanting of Bhajans & Kirtans. At every lane & street of Rajpur village shops and Bazaars are colorfully decorated. At every cross-road many cultural activities are organised through out the night. On the next day the Gokulastami festival continues from the morning till night. All the cattle folk of the village go for grazing since down.
In the meantime rice, dal, curry & other vegetables are cooked in the premises of the village school. In the evening the procession of villagers led by the Jamindar moves around the , the villagers serve the cooked food in leaves for about a distance of half kms. on the road & wait for the cattle to return.
Sabita Rathajatra of Lord Jagannath at Belpahar:
Every YEAR ON THE OCCASION OF Makar Sankranti ‘Sabita Rathjatra’ is organised by the man committee of the Jagannath temple of ‘Gumadera of Belpahar, 22 kms away from Jharsuguda town. On this day the Sun (Sabita) dwells in Makara Rasi, hence the chariot Lord Jagannath of Gumadera has been named ‘Sabita Rath’ or the ‘Sun chariot’. On the day of ‘Makar Sankranti’ at about 10 a.m. 3 deities of Jagananth temple ride on the Sabita Rath & travel to their Mausimaa (Aunt) house. During the festival thousands of pilgrims assemble and take part in this festival, amidst chanting of Bhajan, Kirtan & Dancing. At about 3 p.m. the Gods start their return journey from the Mausimaa temple. At that time Lord Chandrasekhar of Gumadera travels in a separate chariot towards the main road (Badadanda) near Batamangala on the Sabita rath & the chariot of Lord Chandra shekhar which is known as ‘Harihara Bheta’. To witness this unique meeting of the lords a large crowd gathers in the Badadanda. A colorful fair takes place at Gumadera during ‘Sabita Rathjatra’.
