On April 1st, the entire state of Odisha comes alive with celebrations to mark a very special occasion—Utkal Divas, the day when Odisha became a separate state in 1936. The day is celebrated with pride to remember the sacrifices and efforts of many visionary leaders who worked tirelessly to give Odisha its own identity.
This year, the celebrations are even more special with a series of events planned across the state, and the main state-level event is being held at Satyabhamapur in Salipur, Cuttack.
Why Utkal Divas Is So Important
A Struggle for Identity
Back in the 19th century, Odisha faced many challenges. Western education and the rise of the printing press were influencing local traditions, and Odia language and culture started to fade. On top of that, there were political attempts to merge Odisha with Bengal, and Telugu-speaking rulers tried to take control of parts of southern Odisha.
Rise of a Unifying Movement
To resist these pressures and save the Odia language and culture, Utkal Sammilani (a social and cultural organization) was formed in 1903. This was a turning point.
Some of the key leaders of this movement included:
- Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das – A lawyer and the chief architect of the Odia unification movement.
- Fakir Mohan Senapati – The father of modern Odia literature.
- Maharaja Sri Ramchandra Bhanjdeo, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Radha Nath Ray, and Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati – All played major roles in cultural and political advocacy.
Their efforts finally bore fruit when Odisha became a separate province on April 1, 1936, ending a long period of geographic and cultural marginalization.
Introducing ‘Odia Paksha’: A Two-Week Celebration of Culture
For the first time ever, the Odisha government is organizing a two-week celebration called “Odia Paksha”, from April 1 to April 14. This initiative is led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, and is being managed by the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture.
The goal is to highlight and celebrate everything that makes Odia culture unique – from food and fashion to art, literature, and history.
Full Schedule of ‘Odia Paksha’ Events
Here’s what the 14-day celebration looks like:
| Date | Event | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| April 2 | Khadi Chhuaan | Promotion of traditional handwoven Khadi fabric |
| April 3 | Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya | Celebrate Odia traditional clothes |
| April 4 | Signboard Campaign | Encourage use of Odia language in official and commercial signboards |
| April 5 | Heritage Marathon | Organized by the Sports & Youth Services Department |
| April 6 | Cleanliness Drive | Focus on cleaning and maintaining historical sites |
| April 7 | Learning Material Distribution | Promote the Odia language in schools |
| April 8 | Blood Donation Camp | Social responsibility and community service |
| April 9 | Buy an Odia Book | Encourage reading of Odia literature |
| April 10 | Folk Art Celebration | Showcase Odia folk dance, music, and drama |
| April 11 | Young Writers’ Day | Support and celebrate young Odia authors |
| April 12 | Leadership Talk | Discussion on contributions of great Odia leaders |
| April 13 | Traditional Cuisine Day | Promote Odia food and cooking styles |
| April 14 | Odia New Year | Celebrate the Odia New Year (Pana Sankranti) |
A Step Towards Odisha’s 100th Anniversary in 2036
Looking ahead, Odisha is moving toward a big milestone—its 100th year as a separate state in 2036. The government plans to make the Utkal Divas and Odia Paksha celebrations an annual tradition that inspires future generations to take pride in their heritage.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlighted that these celebrations will help keep the Odia language and traditions alive and deepen people’s emotional connection to their roots.
Utkal Divas is more than just a holiday—it’s a reminder of the history, resilience, and identity of Odisha. With the launch of Odia Paksha, the state is not just celebrating the past, but also investing in its cultural future. Whether it’s through books, food, music, or traditional clothes, this initiative is about embracing what makes Odisha truly unique.
Let’s celebrate Odisha’s legacy and work together to keep its rich culture alive for generations to come.
