Dalkhai Re – Sambalpuri Folk Song (Jitendra Harpal Version) – Full Details & Credits

“Dalkhai Re” is one of the most iconic Sambalpuri folk songs, deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Western Odisha. It is widely associated with the Dalkhai dance, a traditional folk dance performed by young girls, primarily during festivals like Dussehra, Nuakhai, and other harvest celebrations. The song beautifully captures the emotions of young village girls expressing their love, joy, and devotion to Goddess Dalkhai Devi while also celebrating the beauty of nature, love, and youth.

The song has been performed and recorded in various renditions, with Jitendra Harpal being one of the prominent singers who has popularized it in recent years. His dynamic and soulful voice adds a fresh appeal to the traditional melody, making it a favorite among fans of Sambalpuri music.

🎶 Song Credits – “Dalkhai Re” (Jitendra Harpal Version)

• 🎤 Singer: Jitendra Harpal
• 📝 Lyrics: Traditional Sambalpuri Folk (Exact lyricist unknown, as it’s an age-old folk song)
• 🎼 Music Composition: Traditional Sambalpuri Folk Music
• 🎵 Music Arrangement: Varies by version, modern renditions have been adapted with contemporary beats and instruments
• 🎬 Producer: Varies depending on the production house (Many renditions exist)
• 📀 Label: Different labels and independent releases (Check music platforms like YouTube & Gaana for specific versions)
• 🌍 Language: Sambalpuri (Kosli)
• 🎭 Genre: Sambalpuri Folk / Traditional

🌿 Cultural & Traditional Significance of “Dalkhai Re”

1️⃣ Origin & Folk Tradition
“Dalkhai Re” originates from the rich folk tradition of Western Odisha, particularly from districts like Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda. It is part of the Dalkhai dance, performed by unmarried young girls (known as “Kuanri” girls) during festivals to express their devotion to Goddess Dalkhai and seek blessings for happiness and prosperity.

2️⃣ Dalkhai Dance & Festival Connection
The Dalkhai dance is a vibrant and energetic folk dance where girls, dressed in traditional Sambalpuri sarees, perform synchronized steps to the beats of Dhol, Nisan, Tasha, Mahuri, and Jhanj. This song is sung during the dance, and it often describes romance, beauty, village life, and admiration for nature. The male drummers and musicians respond with phrases like “Dalkhai Bo!”, adding a unique call-and-response style to the performance.

3️⃣ Lyrics & Meaning
The lyrics of “Dalkhai Re” celebrate youth, beauty, and emotions. The song often describes a young girl’s admiration for her surroundings, her playful teasing of a lover, or her devotion to the goddess. The words are rich in natural imagery, cultural symbols, and emotional expressions, making it a powerful folk composition.

4️⃣ Musical Composition & Style
Traditional versions of “Dalkhai Re” maintain the authentic Sambalpuri folk sound, with strong percussion and rhythmic claps. However, modern renditions, including Jitendra Harpal’s version, incorporate contemporary beats, electronic music, and remix elements to make the song appealing to younger audiences. Despite these updates, the core folk essence remains intact, ensuring that the song continues to resonate across generations.