Odisha is celebrating Utkal Divas on Tuesday with great pride and enthusiasm. This special day marks the creation of Odisha as a separate state on April 1, 1936, thanks to the tireless efforts of visionary leaders.
Various events are being held across the state to honor this historic occasion. The main celebration is taking place at Satyabhamapur in Salipur, Cuttack.
Struggles and Contributions of Great Leaders
In the 19th century, the spread of Western education and the printing press led to a decline in the Odia language and culture. There were even attempts to merge Odisha with Bengal, while Telugu-speaking rulers tried to dominate southern Odisha.
To protect Odisha’s identity, a movement began to unite all Odia-speaking regions. This led to the formation of the Utkal Sammilani in 1903. Under the leadership of Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das and with the support of prominent figures like Fakir Mohan Senapati, Maharaja Sri Ramchandra Bhanjdeo, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Radha Nath Ray, and Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, the movement grew stronger.
After nearly 500 years without a separate geographical identity, Odisha finally became an independent province in 1936, marking a historic victory for the people and their leaders.
First-Ever Odia Paksha from April 1 to 14
For the first time, the Odisha government has introduced a special two-week celebration called “Odia Paksha”, which will take place from April 1 to April 14. This event is dedicated to honoring and promoting Odisha’s rich language, culture, and heritage. This special event, initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, aims to honor and promote Odisha’s rich language, culture, and heritage.
The Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture is organizing various programs to highlight the beauty and importance of the Odia language and traditions during this period.
Odia Paksha: Event Schedule
The Odia Paksha celebration will feature a series of events from April 1 to April 14, highlighting Odisha’s rich culture, language, and traditions. Here’s a look at the key events planned:
📅 April 2 – Traditional “Khadi Chhuaan” Ceremony (A symbolic ritual to honor Odia culture)
👗 April 3 – “Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya” (Promoting traditional Odia attire)
🏢 April 4 – Campaign for Odia Signboards (Encouraging government offices and businesses to use Odia signboards)
🏃 April 5 – Heritage Marathon (Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Services)
🛕 April 6 – Cleanliness Drive (At historical and cultural sites)
📚 April 7 – Distribution of Odia Learning Materials (Encouraging people to learn and use the Odia language)
❤️ April 8 – Blood Donation Camp (A social initiative to support healthcare efforts)
📖 April 9 – “Buy an Odia Book” Campaign (Encouraging people to read and support Odia literature)
🎭 April 10 – Folk Art Celebration (Showcasing Odisha’s vibrant traditional art forms)
📝 April 11 – Young Writers’ Day (Encouraging young talents in Odia literature)
🗣 April 12 – Discussion on Odisha’s Great Leaders (Organized by Odisha Sahitya Akademi)
🍛 April 13 – Traditional Odia Cuisine Promotion (Celebrating Odisha’s rich food heritage)
🎉 April 14 – Odia New Year Celebration (Marking the arrival of the Odia New Year with grand festivities)
This two-week-long celebration aims to strengthen Odia identity and inspire people to take pride in their language and heritage. 🚩
Odisha Prepares for Its 100th Anniversary
With 2036 marking 100 years of Odisha’s statehood, the government is committed to preserving and promoting its rich language, culture, and heritage.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlighted that Odia Paksha will play a vital role in strengthening people’s pride in their language and traditions. The celebration aims to keep Odisha’s glorious history alive and inspire future generations to cherish and uphold their identity.
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