Inaugural Biha Bael Ucchab: A Celebration of Cultural Heritage and Environmental Awareness in Sundargarh

Sundargarh, 7 Nov. 2024 – The inaugural Biha Bael Ucchab was launched with great fanfare in Sundargarh, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and celebration of the district's rich cultural heritage.

This unique festival aims to foster a sense of unity, conserve traditions intrinsic to the district, and raise awareness about pressing environmental issues impacting the region. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Smt. Padmini Sekhar Deo; the Hon'ble M.L.A. Jogesh Kumar Singh; the Chairperson and Vice-Chairman of Sundargarh Municipality; Sri Raju Sarangi, former Chairman of Sundargarh Municipality; and Sri Benumadhab Tripathy. The initiative has been championed by Dr. Chirabrata Dutta, President of the Biha Bael Ucchab Committee, whose leadership played a pivotal role in making the festival a grand success.
Sundargarh, known for its strong tribal identity and vibrant cultural traditions, served as the perfect backdrop for this festival. Through dance, music, and rituals, the Ucchab showcased the camaraderie and unity that define the district, strengthening the ties among its people and emphasizing the value of communal harmony.

A central focus of the Ucchab was the conservation of River Ib, a cherished and historically significant river flowing through the district. Locals consider the river to be the "lifeblood" of Sundargarh, and its ecological health is deeply tied to the cultural and environmental wellbeing of the community. However, the river has faced mounting environmental challenges in recent years. An iconic sand dune known as Biha Bael, once towering at over 30 feet in the middle of the river, has dwindled to just 6-7 feet due to a combination of natural degradation and human impact. This dramatic reduction stands as a stark reminder of the river's diminishing vitality and the urgent need for preservation.

The Biha Bael Ucchab has been conceptualized to rally public attention and inspire action towards the conservation of River Ib. The festival featured environmental awareness programs, speeches, and art installations focused on the river’s plight, as well as demonstrations of time-honored local traditions that depend on the river’s health. Dr. Dutta and the Biha Bael Ucchab Committee urged the public to recognize the critical state of the river and to engage in proactive measures for its restoration and conservation.
As the first event of its kind in Sundargarh, the Biha Bael Ucchab received enthusiastic support and participation from the local community, with many attendees expressing a renewed commitment to their cultural and environmental heritage. The success of this festival highlights a promising new chapter for Sundargarh—a community that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing the responsibility of safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
The organizers hope to make Biha Bael Ucchab an annual event, with plans to expand its environmental outreach and cultural programming in the years to come.
By- Sanjay Pattnayak 
       Sundargarh