Jharsuguda, The Land of Power and Heritage

Jharsuguda lies in the western part of Odisha and stands out as a unique district where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously. Known both as the “Power Hub of Odisha” and as a region of vibrant cultural heritage, Jharsuguda showcases a perfect blend of industrial strength and deep-rooted cultural values.

A Celebration of Culture and Heritage

Jharsuguda’s cultural fabric is woven with devotion, history, and communal harmony. The district’s fairs and festivals reflect the colorful spirit and traditions of its people. While many celebrations are common across Odisha, several local festivals hold a distinct place in the region’s identity.

Among them, the Ranjta Festival—originating during the reign of the Chauhan dynasty—remains a symbol of royal legacy and community pride. The Famous Ratha Jatra of Kukurjanga, known for its magnificent 16-wheeled chariot, draws thousands of devotees each year to witness Lord Jagannath’s divine journey. The farming community celebrates the Gokulastami Jatra of Rajpur with grandeur, signifying agrarian prosperity and reverence toward Lord Krishna. Devotees observe the Sabita Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath at Belpahar during Makar Sankranti; it stands out for its unique tradition of the Sun Chariot and the sacred ‘Harihara Bheta.’

Jharsuguda district has a rich and developed cultural heritage. Though many fairs and festivals occur commonly in other parts of the State, a few stand out as distinct and special.

Ranjta Festival: Lt. Chauhan King Balram Dev, a clansman of Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the last independent Hindu king of India, established Sambalpur in the 16th century. During the rule of the Chauhan kings, they started the Ranjta festival in the capital town of Sambalpur and in the subordinate states and Jamindaries of Sambalpur. People observe this festival every year on the night of the 10th day of Suklapaksha of the month of Aswina. In the district, people celebrate the festival in Jharsuguda town. On the day of the festival, the descendants of the Jamindars move in procession around the village or town along with ‘Patakhanda’ or (Royal sword).

Famous Ratha Jatra of Kukurjanga: As per the ancient tradition of Utkal, the reigning deities of Puri Shri Jagannath Temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra visit the house of their aunt (Mausimaa) in their respective chariots, namely Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana, through the ‘Badadanda’ on the 2nd day of the bright lunar fortnight of the month of Asadha and return to Shree Mandir on the 10th day of the bright lunar fortnight. People observe this festival, known as Ratha Jatra, throughout the State and also in many places outside the state.

In a small village known as Kukurjanga, 7 km away from Jharsuguda, some specialties mark the Ratha Jatra festival. Here, every year, the Ratha Jatra starts from the 2nd day of the bright fortnight of ‘Ashada’, but the Bahuda Jatra continues up to the Ashada Purnima.

Workers under the former Rampur Jamindari constructed the Jagannath temple in Kukurjanga village in the 17th century. Since then, the “Managing Committee” has organized the Ratha Jatra festival. The Ratha of Kukurjangha is a massive structure with 16 wheels.

Thousands of pilgrims from the nearby areas assemble at Kukurjangha to witness the Ratha Jatra festival every year.

Famous Gokulastami Jatra of Rajpur: The Jamindars of Rajpur, descendants of Madhukar Sai—the king of Sambalpur—began the Gokulastami Jatra, which continues with pomp and ceremony to this day. The festival symbolizes a folk ceremony signifying an Agrarian culture. The festival also symbolizes the welfare of cattle and other domestic animals used in agriculture. The farmers of Rajpur observe it every year on the 8th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Margasira. The focal point of this festival is the Jagannath Temple, which stands in front of the palace of the Jamindar of Rajpur. From the evening of the 7th day of the bright fortnight of Margasira, devotees prepare an idol of Krishna, carrying the mount Govardhan, and worship it amid chanting of Bhajans and Kirtans. At every lane and street of Rajpur village, shops and Bazaars are colorfully decorated. At every crossroad, many cultural activities are organized throughout the night. The next day, the Gokulastami festival continues from morning till night. All the cattle folk of the village have been going for grazing since then. In the meantime, rice, dal, curry, and other vegetables are cooked in the premises of the village school.

Sabita Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath at Belpahar: Every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, ‘Sabita Ratha Jatra’ is organized by the committee of the Jagannath temple of ‘Gumadera of Belpahar, 22 km 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 Ratha’ or the ‘Sun Chariot’. On the day of ‘Makar Sankranti,’ the 3 deities of Jagananth temple ride on the Sabita Ratha and travel to their Mausimaa (Aunt) house. The Gods later make 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 Ratha and 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 the ‘Sabita Ratha Jatra’.

These festivals not only strengthen community bonds but also preserve the timeless traditions that define Jharsuguda’s cultural soul—making the district a true custodian of Odisha’s living heritage.

The Power Hub of Odisha

Parallel to its cultural richness, Jharsuguda has emerged as one of the most industrially advanced districts in Odisha. The abundant coal reserves from the Ib Valley Coalfields bless the region, making it a crucial center for thermal power generation and heavy industries. 

Major power producers such as the Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) at Banharpali and Vedanta Limited, which operates one of India’s largest private power plants and aluminium smelters, have built a strong industrial presence here. Additionally, companies like STL, JSW, and other independent power producers contribute significantly to the state and national power grids. 

The establishment of the Veer Surendra Sai Airport at Jharsuguda, along with excellent rail and road connectivity, has transformed the district into a growing hub for trade, transport, and industry.

A District of Balance and Progress

Jharsuguda stands as a shining example of how cultural legacy and industrial progress can thrive side by side. While its fairs and festivals keep alive the spirit of Odisha’s traditions, its power plants and industries fuel the state’s economic and energy growth. 

Indeed, Jharsuguda is where the melody of faith blends seamlessly with the pulse of progress, lighting up lives both spiritually and literally as “The Power House of Odisha.”