About Karma Naach:

There are various Folk dances are performed by residents of Orissa and Karma naach is one of them which is performed by tribal people. The word karma means “Fate” and this dance is dedicated to God or Goddess of Fate. It is a belief that this god and goddess play an important role in the lives of people because they are considered due to good and bad luck and this folk dance is a way to offer their prayers to the God or Goddess of Fate in the Karma Festival. This is an autumnal festival, which starts from the eleventh day of the full moon of the month of Bhadra and lasts for 7days.

Karma dance is performed centered around the karam trees either in a mixed group of boys, girls or in separate groups of girls or boys. Karma dancers wear usually red cloth, peacock feathers, Jewelry made of small conch shells, girls dressed up in traditional Sambalpuri saris and boys clad in a knee length dhoti, with a shirt on top. This folk dance is also a way of entertainment sometime and Boys hold mirrors in their hands while dancing which is a traditional way of teasing the girls.The main musical instrument which is used in Karma naach is drum which is locally known as ‘timki’. Other instruments like Thumki, Chhalla, Payri and Jhumki are also used by folk dancers.

Location infomation of Karma Naach:

Location info: You can go to the Kalahandi, Balangir, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj and Sambalpur area to see these folk dances in cultural events.

Climate/Weather in Karma Naach:

Summer – March to MayAverage Minimum Temperature – 36° CAverage Minimum Temperature – 24° CAverage Precipitation – 26.6 mmMonsoon – June to OctoberAverage Minimum Temperature – 32° CAverage Minimum Temperature – 25° CAverage Precipitation – 202 mmSummer – March to MayAverage Minimum Temperature – 28° CAverage Minimum Temperature – 17° CAverage Precipitation – 24.75 mm

History Karma Naach:

Karma Dance is originated from Western Orissa. In ancient times this region was known as ‘Dakshin Kosal’ and now known as Kosal region. Sambalpur district falls under this region and it is belief that Karma Dance was originated from here. Gonds,Binjahal, Kharia, Oraon, Kisan and Kol tribal living in these areas Kalahandi, Balangir, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj and Sambalpur and mostly Karma dance performed by them. This region share their territories with Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh and Karma Dance also perform by tribal in these states.

Languages in Karma Naach:

• Primary language is Sambalpuri, But Odia, Hindi and English can also be used for communication. Apart from that Asuri and Bhunjia also spoken by large number of tribal communities.

Interesting things to See or find Karma Naach ?

How to reach Karma Naach?

The best district to visit in western region is to enjoy karma dance is Sambalpur.

Flight – Sambalpur does not have any Airports. The nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) which is around 262 KM and after that Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar which is around 280 KM away from Sambalpur.

Bus – Sambalpur is well connected from major cities of Orissa via regular buses and there are few services available to nearby states also.

Railways – Sambalpur has five railway stations “Sambalpur Junction (SBP), Sambalpur Road Railway Station (SBPD), Hirakud Railway Station (HKG), Sambalpur City Railway Station (SBPY) and Maneswar Railway Station (MANE)”. This is the reason you can find direct trains from major cities across the country.

Other Ways – NH 6 (Mumbai-kolkata), NH 42(Cuttack and Bhubaneswar), and State Highway 10 (Jharsuguda and Rourkela) connects it well with nearby states and cities. So, you reach here via private cars or cabs as well.

Nearest Visiting places from Karma Naach:

Samaleswari Temple – This temple is situated on the banks of Mahanadi at Ray Pada. This temple is dedicated to Maa Samaleswari also known as Jagannath Adishakti, Mahalaxmi and Mahasawarswati. The city’s name is derived from this temple.

Hirakud Dam – This Dam is built on Mahanandi River. This dam is the world’s longest dam which drains an area of 1,33,090 Sq.Kms, more than two times of the are Shrilanka. This dam forms an artificial lake of 35KM as well. Drive on the dyke offers a great feel of calm serenity and majesty of nature.

Huma Temple – This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva worshipped by Hindu followers. This temple is situated on bank of Manhanadi River in the Huma village. The main attraction of this temple is the structure of the temple is leaning. While the edifice leans, the pinnacle of the temple is perpendicular to the ground.

Ghanteswari Temple – This Ghanteswai temple is located at Bagbira, Chipilama on the bank of Mahanadi River. People offer bells to goddess Ghanteswari. This place is also known as “lighthouse without light’ which helps early sailors to warn against heavy winds.

Gudguda Waterfall – This waterfall is consider as beautiful picnic spot which is fully covered with dense forest. Before reaching to the main spot you will find several small waterfalls which can be easily crossed. You can enjoy trekking as well.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary – This Wildlife Sanctuary is just after the Hirakud dam and can be reached via Right Dyke Road. It is home for over 40 species of mammals, 234 species of birds, 41 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, 42 species of fishes, 39 species of odonates, 85 species of butterflies and 38 species of spiders.

Nearest Petrol Pump near by Karma Naach:

• Budharaja Petrol Pump, IOCL – Budharaja Road (SH-10), Sakhipara
• HP Petrol Pump – Behera Bros – HPC Dealers Station Road Po&dt, Modipada
• HP Petrol Pump – Fatehchand Banka and Co Modipara – Golbazar, Pattnayakpada

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Karma Naach:

1. Nirupama Taratarini – Taratarini Hills, Purushottampur, Odisha, 761018
2. Hotel Kameswari – Railway Station Rd, Gosani Nuagam, Brahmapur, Odisha 760005
3. Moonlite Hotel – Baidyanath Nagar, Ayodhya Nagar, Brahmapur, Odisha 760004
4. Hotel City Palace – Zenana Hospital Rd, Godavarish Nagar, Brahmapur, Odisha 760001
5. Hotel Jyoti Residency – Old Bus Stand Traffic Checkpost, Ganjam, Berhampur, Odisha 760001
6. Shankar Bhavan – Ramalingam Tank Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Brahmapur, Odisha 760001
7. Hotel Kalinga – Ganjam, Odisha 761026

Things to carry in Karma Naach:

• Carry camera you take photos of beautiful place.     
• Carrying essential water.

Tips & Suggestions in Karma Naach:

• Best time to visit this region between September to March when the most cultural and festivals celebrated by Orissa peoples and Karma naach performed during these festivals..

Help Line/Phone Number in Karma Naach:

• District Head Qtr. Hospital – 9437085706
• Seva Nursing Home – 079926 98918
• Police Emergency number – 100
• Supdt. of Police – 0663 – 2404330, 2400002, 2401308
• Town Police Station – 0663 – 2403100
• Sadar Police Station – 06681 276363
• Emergency Fire Station – 101
• Sambalpur Fire Station – 0663 2321626
• Rengali Fire Station – 0663 2560142

Links: