CULTURE                         Contents  

1. FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
2. FOLK DANCE
3. LITERARY TRENDS & TREND SETTERS
4. CULTURAL AND LITERARY ORGANISATIONS

5. LITERARY PERIODICALS

Fairs And Festivals

            Angul is not only a land of magnificent hill ranges, old monuments, virgin and long river beds, downy flakes melodious jungle streams, healing hot springs, luxuriant forests, picturesque landscape, industrial houses but also a land of exciting and exuberant fasts and festivals. All the seasons of the year are marked with a variety of colourful celebrations. The fasts of folk-life and modernity of an industrial society. The traditions and customs, rites and rituals, dances and delicacies of the district are just precipitous, In these occasions people are seen in best of their attire, costumes and pageantry.

 
          The fasts and festivals of the district are mostly of two types i.e. Sarbajanina or community based and Gharoi or family based. The Gharoi or family festivals are those, which are mostly observed at the level of families as per the traditions of their Kula, Gotra and Varna. A group of families consisting of same kinship or lineage also observe them in common. The Gurubara Manabasa, Sudasa Brata, Sabitri Brata, etc. are some such fasts.

        The Sarbajanina festivals are celebrated with pump and ceremony by the people in general at the community level. Some major fasts and festivals of the district are described below.

Hingula Yatra

           Hingula Yatra is celebrated with pump and ceremony in Talcher sub-division of the district at the temple of Hingula Thakurani near Gopalprasad. It is regarded as the most significant festival of the district, which draws people from different corners of the state. This is celebrated on Bishnu Damanaka Chaturdasi tithi as per oriya Pajika.

Akshaya Trutiya

          This festival is considered as the most ceremonial and auspicious day for sowing of paddy for the current agricultural season. Oblation is offered to Goddess Laxmi. It is also the beginning day of the construction work of Ratha of Lord Jagannath for the ensuing Car Festival.

Chandan Yatra  

          This starts from Akhaya trutiya and ends on Chandan Purnima. A smaller replica of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are taken to the sacred tank for boating. This is aimed for providing comfort and coolness to the Lords from summer. This is celebrated in the Jagannath temples of the district located at Angul, Talamul, Bagedia, Papsara, Khamar and Boinda. 

Ratha Yatra

          World famous Car festival of Lord Jagannath at Puri is celebrated as one of the most significant festival of the state. Accordingly, Ratha Yatra is also celebrated with full ceremonial approach at Talcher,Angul, Pallahara and Athamallik with all traditional rites and rituals.

Ganesh Puja

          The festival is celebrated on the 4^th Day of the bright fortnight of lunar month of Bhadrab. Besides different schools, colleges, business houses Ganesh Puja is celebrated with full gaiety and traditional rituals at Talcher. The festival continues to be celebrated for a period of around 11 days, which attracts people from the whole district. Different prominent cultural troops and musical parties from the neighbouring states participate on this occasion. Talcher Ganesh Puja occupies a prominent position in the state for its colourful and ceremonial observance. 

Nuakhai  

          This is the festival of offering the first rice harvested from the agricultural fields to the God/Goddess before human consumption. It is observed on Bhadraba Sukla Panchami Tithi. Specially in Athamallik sub division, this festival is celebrated with care and courage. 

Viswakarma puja  

          This is the puja of Lord viswakarma, the main architect of the universe who had fabricated the universe as per the direction of Brahma, the lord of creation. Mostly this puja is observed in Factories, industrial houses, workshops and other related fabrication houses, Engineering establishments. The important celebration of Biswakarma Puja of the district includes, TTPS (Thermal), NALCO, F.C.I., Rengali and M.C.L. areas. 

Durga Puja

          Being the most colourful festival of the state, Durga Puja is celebrated with rites and rituals throughout the district. The Mahanadi Coal Field areas observe Durga Puja in a big-way with more than 20 numbers of Puja Mandapas. Besides at Angul on the day of Dusahara the famous  ‘Ravanpodi’ Utsav is also observed to mark the victory of truth over the evil power.

LaxmiPuja / Kumarotsav

           Gaja Laxmi puja starts from the day of Kumar Purnima and continues till the next 10 days at Angul. Beautiful images of Goddess Laxmi are prepared in clay and worshiped on brightly decorated puja pendals. This is the most popular and colourful function of the district observed with much pump and ceremony. Besides Angul town, Laxmi puja is also celebrated at Banarpal, Koshala, Athmallik and Pallahara.

          Kumarostsav is the day of great pleasure, ecstasy and enjoyment for maiden girls falls on the full moon day of Aswina Purnima. The Moon God is worshiped by the maiden girls on this occasion for a bright future married life.

Kartika Purnima

          This is observed on the last day of the lunar month of Kartika. This is specially regarded as the most sacred purnima of the Hindus. Rasa Ustav is also observed to pay honour to Lord Krushna and Radha. To mark the great tradition and cultural heritage of Orissa’s trading community, Boita Bandan is celebrated symbolically through out the district by floating decorative toy boats in the nearby rivers and ponds.

Sripanchami (Saraswati Puja)

          This is observed on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha. Devi Saraswati is worshiped by the students as the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. Besides, clubs, cultural houses and other institutions also celebrate the puja in the district.

Binkei Yatra

          This festival is held on the 10^th day after the Dolapurnima in the lunar month of Chaitra. This observation is made in the honour of Mother Goddess Binkei who is the saviour of virtuous and killer of vicious people. A great fair is also arranged for three days with a large no. of shops of variety items. People from far off villages gather for offering prayer to the Goddess and marketing for their household items.

The Folk Dance

Danda Nritya

            Danda Nritya is the premier and most ancient folk-dance of the district of Angul. This is practiced in all the four sub-divisions of the district. It is a composite synthesis of dance, drama, song and music blended with mythical tales and striking realities of worldly life. This folk-dance is a kind of penance and offering to the almighty for eliciting the blessings of salvation.

          This dance commences in between last week of March and 1^st of April and ends with Mahabisuva Sankranti i.e mid of April in each year. The devotees who undertake this dance are called Bhuktas. The leader of the group is called the Patabhukta. They lead a hard and sacred life with much austerity during these days and remain away from home. They undertake bodily penance and practice Yogatantra to get the divine grace. The ritual trances of the Nritya proceed as follows. The Dandautha is done before 14 to 21 days of Bisuva Sankranti with a series of rituals and worship at the mid-night. The next day morning witness the Danda-Yatra in which the symbolic representative of God(Shiva) and Goddesses (Paravati) are taken in procession through out the village with the royal decorations, music, dance and sankriatns. At the time of processions, the decorative items like Chhatri, Chhatra, Alata, Chamara and musical instruments like Veri, Turi, Ghanta, Sankha, Dhola are used. The deities that are taken in procession are known as Siva-Parvati and Parava (Mahakali). The Danda Players decorate themselves with sacred thread and yellow clothes and perform the different phases which includes Dhuli danda, Pani danda, Ratri-Ujagar danda as per its traditional rituals.

          In this way Danda Nritya becomes a fine synchronization of community enjoyment with devotion, dedication, and consecration. In this form of folk-dance religion, lyric, music, entertainment and striking realities of life are blended together in a unique manner so as to make it a composite whole of Folk-drama. It is a type of mortification undertaken voluntarily by which absolution, confession and satisfaction is conveyed. The whole dance is a kind of penance offered in the honour of Sakti-upasana. Through Sakti-upasana is found in almost all parts of Orissa, Danda Nirtya with its lyric, art, theme and philosophy has been identified as unique over the centuries.

Ravana Chhaya

The tradition of shadow puppet theatre in India is very old and thrives only in the states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnatak,Tamilnadu and Orissa.

The shadow puppet theatre of Orissa is known as Ravan Chhaya. It is titled thus because the chhaya or shadow is considered inauspicious and is therefore related to the character of Ravan who is equated with evil. Among all the styles of India, it is the simplest with no colour and almost no dance or fight sequences. With simple movements the full-unjointed figures depict versions of the Bichitra Ramayan. Accompanied by Khanjani (a tambourine variety of instrument) and cymbals. The musician sings standing in front of the screen. Though most of the puppet figures are made out of deerskin, those of demoniac characters are made from stag skin. Each puppet is fixed with a thin rod of bamboo for manipulation from behind the white curtain. The light is provided by a large earthen lamp fed with castor oil.

The traditional performers of Ravan Chhaya were from the community of Bhats who received the patronage of the local Raja of Pallahara in shape of land grants. When all other Bhats discontinued their profession the only Guru who kept it alive in spite of acute proverty was Kathinanda Das. He received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1980 and passed away in 1987. Sensing the apathy of his community towards the art Kathinanda inducted disciples from other communities. Shri Kolha Charan Sahu his senior-most disciple has now kept alive the tradition through the institute “Ravan-Chhaya Natya Sansad”

          The Sansad maintains a full repertory group of and imparts training to youngsters in puppet making, manipulation, technique and music. The repertory group now performs with two sets of puppets, the first which are designed and cut second according to the old traditional style and the second with the puppets designed and cut on the model of traditional patta painting of Puri.         

Literary Trends & Trend Setters

          The documented political history of Angul district dates back to 10^th century A.D. But the literary history in comparison is much shorter. No evidence of important writing is found prior to 18^th century. Most of the writers belong to last two centuries. Royal patronage can be traced behind the development of literature. But it is difficult to divide and discuss about the writers according to the historical ages or epochs of Oriya literature. Literature started to flourish in the district during Ritiyuga of Oriya literature. The characteristics of this age can be noticed in the writings of some eminent writers like Brajbandhu Samantasinghar Nrusingha Rajguru and some other poets of early 19^th century. But the great transformation of Oriya literature during the later half of that century had little impact. Dearth of modern writers of importance cannot be denied. Spirit of modernity could fix expression only in the writings of Radha Mohan Gadanayak who emerged as a major poet of Orissa in the third decade of twentieth century.

The literary pursuits of some of the writers of the last three centuries is outlined below :

Somanath Singh Jagaddeb (1801-1853)

          He was the last king of Angul and a poet. His songs are found in 'Sangeeta Sagar' compiled by Damodar Pattanaik. More than 200 such songs have been collected and praised by critics as of high literary order. Recently Prof. Dr. Janaki Balav Mohanty has edited and published his songs in a book entitled , ‘Somanath Geetabali’ . A number of poets received encouragement from him for development of literature.

Brajabandhu Samant Singhar

            He was a resident of Turanga near Angul and was a contemporary of King Somananth Sing Jagaddev. Sri Sri Rama Lilamruta is his famous puranic work. It is a valuable addition to the tradition of Oriya literature on Sri Rama Chandra Dev written in various familiar metres used in medieval poetry. He has shown originality in description of some episodes of Ramayan and followed the poetic tradition of Riti Yuga.

Kabiratna Nilambar Acharya (1710-1772)

          He belonged to Manpur sasan, a village about 15 Kms. from Angul. He has written Shukaduta – a narrative poem in the tradition of Ritiyuga and Rasachandrika in Sanskrit based on Ayurvedic medicines.

Nrusingha Kavichandra Rayguru (1790-1879)

          He was famous as the court poet of Raja Somanth Singh Jagaddev. He received the title of Lata Kavichandra Rajguru, both from the kings of Talcher and Angul.His famous work is Budhapankapitha the theme of which is the battle between forces of Dhenkanal and Angul in 1825.  He has also written Raghav Bilas, Prema Tarangini, Rukumini Bibaha, Samara Tarangini, Draupadi Swayombar, Punia Champu, Jivan Lilamruta, Hemalata and a number of other works based on Srikrishna. He may be accepted in the tradition of Riti Yuga.

Krushana Behera (1813-1875)

          His birth place is Angarabandha, a pilgrimage of Alekh devotees. But Sri Behera was a Vaishnav devotee and born in a weavers family. He was the writer of ' Vinod Bhagawat' in Oriya written in Chaturdashakshari Chhanda (A metre consisting of 14 letters in a line).

Dinabandhu Pagal (1835-1895)

          He was born in Khalari, 3 Kms. from Angul and was a Vainshnavite. His writings are Shreekrushna Lilamruta, Radha Madhaba Chautisha and Krushna Bhagavata.

Kavichandra Tankadhar Hota (1848-1934)

          He was a resident of Ekagharia, 8 Kms. from Angul. He has written Lilabati Biraha Chintamani, Manabhanjan Champu, Chandrayudha Chautisha and Talcher Bansanu charita. He was awarded the title of Kavichandra by King Rama Chandra  Birabara Harichandan of Talcher (1873-1891). All his writings have been collected and published in 1989 in Bikshipta Sangraha Padyavali.

Srinivas Singh (1866-1940)

          His birthplace is Gotamara in Panchagarh (Angul) He is accepted as the father of Modern Primary Education in Angul. He was for sometime Inspector of Schools for Eastern States and for Sambalpur district. He was awarded the title of Raisaheb by British Government for his considerable contribution in the field of education. He has five nos. of published books in Oriya to his credit, namely Shishukhela Geeta (published in 4 parts respectively in 1909, 1912, 1914 and 1916), Barnabodha, Seeta (1918), Savitree Kavya (1921) and Odia Nutan Prathama Patha (1927). His books like Seeta and Savitree had a popular acceptability for their folk metre. His writings were published at that time in the famous Oriya journal ' Utkal Sahitya'.

Lakshman Mishra (1869-1970)

           He was originally a resident of Khamar 3 Kms. from Angul but later migrated to Talcher. He has written three books for children like ‘Sahaja Barna Bodha’, Sahaja Patha and Sahitya Kalika. Besides, he has four dramas to his credit namely Nandan Suman, Prema Panchali Charita, Maya Simantini and Apabad Bhanjan.

Mukunda Kabyatirtha

          He belonged to Talcher and was a playwright of old style. He based his writings on Sanskrit models to write his ‘Rambhasuka Charita Natak’ and other dramas.

Gadadhar Singh Samant

          He was the son of king Mahendra Deo of Athamallik and famous for his Oriya Kavya 'Banabina' written in blank verse. His contribution as a poet is considered significant.

Jadunath Kavyatirtha (1881-1961)

          He belonged to Khamar, 3 Kms. from Angul. He was a great Sanskrit scholar and wrote Narayan Shatak and other poems in Sanskrit. Satyam Param Dhimahi is a collection of some of his Sanskrit writings. It was published in 1971. His devotional songs in Oriya have been collected in a small book named 'Prapatti'. He had also composed some songs and chhandas to be sung in pala. The Sanskrit school, which is now, a College in Angul has been named after him.

  Ghanashyam Kavibhusan

          He belonged to Talcher and was writer of ‘Sahada Sundari' and ‘Kanchanamala’ based on the folk tradition of Orissa. He had also compiled the history and geography of Talcher.

Dasharathi Mishra

          He was a resident of Talcher and translated Kalidasa's Meghadutam from its original Sanskrit metre of Mandakranta. Generally Sanskrit metres are considered unsuitable for Oriya poetry. But the literary merit of the writer has made it acceptable.

Brajabandhu Mishra

            Brajabandhu Mishra belonged to Talcher and is remembered for editing of Utkal Bandhu, a literary monthly journal during the time of Indradhanu and Bijuli.

Kalyan Sahu (1888-1962)

          He was born in Koshala. His major work is 'Koshala Ramachandi Charita kavya’ (1917). His unpublished works are ‘Tapati’, 'Tapta Swayambara', ‘Kalapata’, 'Tribeni' 'Sakuntala', 'Bharat Jatiya Pataka', Sri Nrusinghanath and ' Kavita Hata' (Collection of poems written during 1907 to 1913).

Sudhakara Pattanaik (1892-1983)

          He was born in Purunagarh, the old capital of Angul. He belonged to a well-educated family and worked in different spheres. His contribution to historical and literary research has been recognized throughout the state. He was a member of Bihar Orissa Research Society. His historical essays on the Paschimeswar Mahadev Temple of Talcher, the Vishnu murti of Saranga and Bhimkand were published in Utkal Sahitya and Mukur. He is remembered for his collecting, editing and publishing the works of Brajanath Badajena. He has compiled Badjena Granthavali which has been published by Orissa Sahitya Academy. He has also edited 'Samara Taranga', 'Gundicha Bije' and 'Chatura Vinod of Badajena separately. It is exclusively due to the research of Pattanaik that 'Ambika Bilas' is now accepted as an original work of Brajnath Badajena.

Srinibas Gadanayak (1894-1955)

          He belonged to the village Gadasantri. In some of his work like Bhagirath Kavya, the influence of Radhanath Roy is clearly noticed. But simultaneously he has also been influenced by Riti style and composed more than 50 songs. His songs are still living among the Pala Gayaks. The name of some of his Kavyas are ' Mukti' based on Ramayan, 'Satira Sadhan' based on Savitree Charita.  His other works were ‘Niradi’ and ‘Bapuji Prayane’.

Ramesh Chandra Singh (1905-1981)

          He was born in Gotamara, Angul. He is remembered for his translation of Bhagawat Geeta both in Oriya and English.

Pandit Damodar Mishra (1901-1986)

          He was a resident of Kakudi Sasan, 2 Kms. from Talcher town. He has compiled ‘Pramod Avidhan' the famous Oriya Dictionary in 1936. He has also written a number of books on the Vedic rituals. His ‘Brahmatatwa Kaumudi’ has been rated as one of the most significant literary work of his time. His book Asavarna Bihaka Samikshya reveals the revolutionary inclination of his mind. Orissa Sahitya Academy had felicitated him for his significant literary contribution.

Pandit Dasharathi Dash (1907-1990)

          He belonged to Somanathpur (Susuda) Sasan, 2 Kms. from Angul. He has written and published two books of poems named ' Niradi' (1952) and Gopigita (1968) . He was felicitated by Orissa Sahitya Academy.

Rajkishore Padhi (1909-2001)

          He was a resident of Rajkishore Pada , Angul. His famous book " Bhagawat Chintan' has been published in three parts. His other books which have been published are Bhagawata Lilamala and Bhagawat Stotramala (translation) and Swayambhar Jagannath (Essay) Navad Bhaktisutra(translation in prose) and Manasi Radha ( prose) . He has also some unpublished works on Bhagwat Gita.

Dinabandhu Tripathy (1910-2001)

          He was born in Ramabereni 10 Kms. from Angul. He was a freedom fighter and journalist of repute.  His poems and essays have been compiled and published in a book titled 'Srasta O Manisha' (1999). Besides, many of his topical essays have been published in various literary journals and dailies.

Pabitra Mohan Pradhan (1909-1988)

            The famous rebel and the Ex-Deputy Chief Minister of Orissa was born in Poipal of Talcher sub division. His autobiographical work "Muktipathe Sainika" published in two volumes is considered as one of his marvellous literary piece. He has also written some Kavyas in traditional verse from Malyagiri and Kavitvali. Recently some research work has been undertaken on his literary work by young scholars to find out his unknown contribution.

Radhamohan Gadanayak (1911-2000)

          Radhamohan Gadanayak is the greatest figure in the literary history of Angul district and as such his works constitute the greatest contribution of Angul to the literary heritage of Orissa. He belonged to village Kalandapal near Angul and started writing poetry at the age of eight. He came in contact with the wider tradition of Orissa's literary heritage from his childhood and established himself as a major poet of Orissa. Though a contemporary of Sabuja yuga of Oriya literature, he does not belong to any group. He grew up independently and started publishing books after books. His depth in literary culture made astonished every body of his time. In 1955 he edited a journal named "Ekachakra”. It is still remembered though it ceased to be published after two of its issues. In 1962, he worked with Pabitra Mohan Pradhan to collect materials for the book " Who’s Who" of Freedom Fighters. From 1884 to 1987, he was the Vice President of Orissa Sahitya Academy and edited " Konark" the literary journal of Academy. He was also the President of Utkal Sahitya Samaj and Angul Sahitya Sansad. He was nominated as a member of Jnanapitha Award Committee. His genius has been recognized by a number of institutions. He was awarded by Kendra Sahitya Academy in 1975. He has also received Visuba Puraskara (1888) Nandighosha Puraskar (1988) and Ativadi Jagannath Das Puraskara (1993) awarded by Orissa Sahitya Academy. He was also the recipient of Padmashri (1990) Utkalratna (1997), Utkal Sri (1999) and Swabhiman (1999). Utkal University conferred honorary D.Litt to him in 1997 for his outstanding contribution to Oriya literature. Some of his popular and important published works are : Banaraji  Nila (1968), 'Meghaduta' (1954), "Kalidasa" (1940) ' Biplavi Radhanath' (1944) " Kavyanayika" (1955) "Utkalika" (1945) "Nabajataka" (1947), ' Smaranika (1950), "Mausumi" (1951) "Kaishorika" (1953), "Duiti Tahara Dena" (1954), "Dipsikha" (1956) Pashu Pakshira Kavya (1959), Dhusara Bhumika (1960), "Samukar Swapna" (1961), Kumar Sambhaba (1968) "Sorab O Rustum" (1968), Gadanayak Granthavali (1968) ,"Surya O Andhakara" (1974), "Gandhi Gatha" (1978), "Abichira Tara" (1982) and "Hirakhanda Gatha"(1986). Besides, he has a number of unpublished manuscripts. Though powerful as a writer of lyrical poetry, he has chosen the genre of ballad as his fort. He is accepted as the best poet of ballads. Secondly, he is recognized for his love of prosody. He is considered the greatest metricist in contemporary Oriya literature. Gadanayak was a poet when Oriya poetry was undergoing a change from Romanticism to Modernism. In his work tendencies change of form are prominently noticed.

 The poetic drama titled Kalidas written by Gadanayak was the first creative writing on the life of Kalidas. Kalidas and Jayadev seem to be his favourite poets. Gadanayak’s Meghaduta is acknowledged as the best translation of Kalidas’s Meghadutam in Oriya. He has also translated Jayadeva's Geeta-Govinda. However, its publication is awaited.

Kulamani Dwivedy (1911-2000)

          He was born in Jarasingha near Angul. His major works Bihanga Samtapa (1985) and Kabita Kabalya, Part-I(1990) have been published. He has an unpublished work named ' Paramartha Prasuna'.

Balakrishna Pattanaik (1919-1994)

          He was a resident of Badkerjeng near Angul. Famous for his social service and political activities. He is still remembered as the Editor of 'Amadesha' (1959). He has written many poems and essays.

Bhaskar Chandra Dash (1928)

          He stayed at Ananda Nagar, Angul and has translated Tulasi Dasa's Rama Charita Manas.

Pandit Pranabandhu Mishra (1928)

          He belongs to Mahidharpara (Angul). He is a great Sanskrit Scholar and has written both in Oriya and Sanskrit. His published works are Bidura Nitee and Nitee Pradipa.

Narasingha Mishra (1931)

          He was born in Mahidharpara ( Angul) He has a collection of poems named " Smruti Swapna". But he is famous for his fictions. Hemashankha and Bering Chi are his books of short stories. His novels are Milan, Laghu chapa, Belabhumi, Amruta Kunda & Shakuni. His style is simple and lucid. He has also written books for children and text books. His book on teaching methodology for Primary & Secondary schools are very popular. He was felicitated as writer by Dhenkanal Zilla Sahitya Parishad.

Jameswar Mishra

           Jameswar Mishra of Athamallik has written two regional novels titled as ‘Khamari’ & 'Gadatia' in the tradition of famous novelist Gopinath Mohanty.

Jayanarayan Das (1932)

          He stays at Baji Rout Chhatrabas, Angul. His published work is ' Kavi' a collection of poems. He has a number of unpublished dramatic works. He has written a biography of Nabakrushna Chaudhury and translated Ravindranath's Shishutirtha.

 Harihar Dash (Gurujee) (1932)

          He stays at Hatisalapada (Angul). His 'Laxmiraa Parikshya' is a translation of Ravindranath's lyrical drama. He has composed more than one hundred songs. His original lyrical dramas based on social and mythological themes and mainly meant for children are still unpublished.

Dr. Bipin Bihari Sahoo (1933)

          He belongs to Koshala (Angul). He is famous for and satire writings. His published books Pimpudi Pichare Batha (short stories) and Dima Kavita (Collection of poems) have gained popularity. He also writes songs, dramas and critical essays.

Professor Avinna Chandra Sahu (1937)

          He was born in Angul Town. His essays have been published in leading journals of the State. He has been recognized for his criticism on poetry. He has also studied the religious themes and preached Jagannath culture in America. The literary journals like Shaswati, Chaitali and Samartha have been edited by him.

Dr. (Prof) Karuna Sagar Behera (1937)

          Dr. Karuna Sagar Behera, the renowned historian, was born in Nuahata near Angul. His D.Litt. thesis 'Konark – The Heritage of mankind' has been published in two volumes in 1997. He has edited the book 'Maritime Heritage of India' and 'Hindu Temple Art of Orissa'. He has also edited an Oriya book named ' Sagar O Sahitya'. His books are recognized for their depth and originality.

Other writers of the district are :

Sri Ratnakar Nayak, Sri Biranchi Mohapatra, Dr.Brahmananda Singh, Dr. Pratap Kumar Singh, Sri Dillip Ray, Dr. Sanat Ku. Mishra, Sri Ananda Chandra Mohapatra, Sri Shatrughna Mishra, Dr. Gouranga Charan Dash, Dr. Kulamani Nayak, Sri Kumuda Chandra Dash, Dr. Sarat Kumar Mohanty, Govinda Rajguru, Dr. Prasanta Kumar Rath, Ms Indira Dash, Dr. Rama Gadanayak, Ayaskant, Sri Sangram Keshari Prusty,  Diptimayee Pradhan.

Cultural And Literary Organisations

Kalakar

          A Socio Cultural organisation of Angul was established on 22.11.1985. It is working as the district branch of International theatre organisation since 1999. Boita Bandan Uchaba and State Level cultural competitions is the most significant celebration of the organization. Besides, it also organizes free health camp, various workshops on anti-dowry, AIDS, Atrocity against women etc. Kalakar also enjoys the unique recognition for organizing plays, Dance Drama, Folk Dance and other cultural variety shows for Doordarshan, Bhubaneswar. It also publishes its annual Souvenir on the occasion of Kartik Purnia (Boita Bandan).

Natyam

          Established in 1995, it is one of the most [prominent Dramatic Society of the district. It has been organizing State Level Drama competition since inception, popularly known as ‘Nayam Natyamela’. It has also produced several plays with the local talents and represented the district in various All India Level Drama Competitions and won prizes.

Angul Zilla Sahitya Sansad

           Consequent upon formation of the Angul district, Angul Zilla Sahitya Sansada was established during 1993-94 as a registered literary society. The Sahitya Sansad at district level has given its affiliation to different Sub-Divisional and Block level literary organizations. The Sansad observes the Jayanti programme of Radhamohan Garnaik, Fakirmohan Senapati, Gangadhar Merher, Upendra Bhanja, Adikabi Sarala Das and bring out an Annual Souvenir. Besides, Sansad has published a collection of poems of local talents and book on the Life of Malati Choudhury. From 2002, it has instituted a district leveld Literary Award named as Somanath Singh Jagadev Award.

Sara Saharanchal Sahitya  Parishad

          It was formed in Fertiliser Township Vikrampur, Talcher in 1978 and have reached in its Silver Jubilee year. For last 25 years the Parishad has been organizing Annual Literary congregation ‘Visuv Milan’. Besides, it has been organising Art and Book Exhibitions in various literary occasions. Its publication wing has so far published 8 numbers of books including Short Stories, Poems, Essays, Plays and a Book on Sambalpuri Dialect.

Angul Lekhaka Sammilani

Angul Lekhaka Sammilani was formed on 15^th August, 1982, Prof. Kumuda Chandra Dash was its President, the Association celebrated the birth day of poet Radhamohan Gadanayak every year tillA 1987, ‘Angikar’ was published as its journal.

OM, Talcher

          This cultural organisation was established in the year 1999. Talcher Mahostva is being organized by OM every year. Brahmani Samman, Garvagourava Samman, Dr. Nikram Das Seva Samman are awarded during this Mahostav.

Other Cultural Organisations :

Sanskruti is established at Talcher and it has been organizing Visuva Millan and other literary functions. Some other important literary/cultural organisation of Talcher Sub-Division are Koumudi Natya Sanshad and Jagannath Cultural Association.

Panchadhara Sahitya Sansada and Sa-Re-Ga, two literary organizations are organising different literary activities and meetings in Athamallik Sub-Division.

Literary Periodicals

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