Rangabati
Rangabati, also known as Rangabati Rangabati, is arguably the most popular recorded song in the history of Orissa. Written in the Sambalpuri dialect of Western Orissa by Mitrabhanu Gauntia, the song was set to music by Prabhudatta Pradhan and sung by Jitendra Haripal and Krishna Patel, two local artistes.
The song was first recorded for All India Radio in the mid-70s. After its popularity, a record company from Kolkata (then Calcutta) recorded the song in 1976. The disc release was delayed because of some dispute and finally, it was released in 1978-79.
Rangabati, Rangabati, Kanakalata, hasi pade kaha lo katha was the first song from Western Orissa and the first song in Sambalpuri dialect to be popular throughout Orissa. In the 70s and 80s, no college party or procession (such as those taken out during marriage or idol immersion) was complete without dancing to the song.
Later, the song got official recognition as it was played in the Tableu of Orissa as part of the Republic Day Celebration in Delhi in 2007. The singer was felicitated by the Orissa chief minister later that year. The song has also been used as the cheer song during an international cricket match in Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
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