Every year on April 1st, Odisha Foundation Day 2025, also called Utkal Divas, is observed to commemorate the state of Odisha’s establishment as a distinct province. It was the first state to be established based on language in 1936. Before being acknowledged as an independent state, Odisha was a part of Bihar. Bihar and the Orissa Province were combined to form the state, while Koraput and Ganjam were added to the Madras Presidency. Odisha lost its political identity with the death of the last monarch in 1568. Efforts were made in 1936 to create a linguistically different state under British rule.
Meaning of Odisha Foundation Day 2025
- After splitting from Bengal and Bihar, Odisha became an independent state in 1936. Utkala Sammilani started the fight to reclaim its identity.
- Odisha was divided into six districts at first, but presently it has thirty.
- Every year on April 1st, Utkal Diwas, the state’s foundation day, is observed to honour its creation.
- Odisha was a component of the Bengal presidency, which encompassed modern-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha, during British control.
- Odisha Day, also known as Utkal Diwas, is the state’s founding day. The state now has thirty districts.
History of Odisha Foundation Day 2025
- A significant chunk of the area that King Ashoka subjugated in 260 BC was Odisha, which had been a part of ancient Kalinga.
- Later, the Mughals attacked and occupied the state, and in 1803, the British split it up into smaller parts.
- Bihar and Odisha (formerly Orissa) included the coastal area, while the western and northern districts were incorporated into the state of Bengal.
- On April 1, 1936, the state was split off from Bihar and became a distinct province following thirty years of struggle under notable figures.
- Cuttack served as the capital of the six districts that made up the newly created state of Odisha.
- The first governor of Orissa Province, Sir John Hubbak, took the oath of office and assumed the position.
- While the coastline region created Bihar and Odisha (formerly known as Orissa), the western and northern districts became part of the state of Bengal.
- On April 1, 1936, the state’s name was changed from Orissa to Odisha, and the new province was established.
Significance of Odisha Foundation Day 2025
- A major celebration of the state’s rich history, culture, and people’s vision is Odisha Foundation Day 2025, also known as Utkal Divas.
- From 1135 until 1948, Cuttack served as the capital of the state, which boasts the third-highest tribal population in India.
- With woods covering more than 31% of the state, it has a diverse range of plants and animals.
- With archaic implements from the Lower Paleolithic period, Odisha has the marks of early human civilization.
- Political leaders host local cultural activities on Utkal Diwas, where people greet one another, sing songs, and learn about the history, customs, art, and legacy of the state.
- Brave leaders who fought for the formation of the state are also honoured on this day.
- Beginning with the raising of the Odisha flag and the singing of the state song, Odisha Day is celebrated with fervour and patriotism.
- The rich cultural legacy of the state is exhibited through parades, cultural programs, and other activities.
- Along with celebrating the state’s language and culture, the day also marks the state’s creation on April 1, 1936.
- Utkal Divas encourages the Odia people to gather together and celebrate the state’s accomplishments and common heritage to foster togetherness and pride among them.
Celebration of Odisha Foundation Day 2025
- The colourful celebration of Odisha Foundation Day 2025 highlights the state’s rich cultural legacy.
- People’s pride in their state is shown in the flags, banners, and flowers used to beautify the state.
- Traditional music, poetry readings, folk dances like Dalkhai and Sambalpuri, and classical dance performances like Odissi are all part of the state’s cultural events.
- With dishes like Pakhala, Dahibara Aloo Dum, and Chhena Poda, food festivals showcase Odisha’s rich culinary legacy.
- Learning about the culture of the state may be done through online videos, books, and articles as part of Odisha Day events.
- On Odisha Day, it is customary to light fireworks to display the sky’s hues and demonstrate human unity.
- Odisha’s local food is distinctive, and during the holiday season, people invite friends and family to join them for filling dinners.
- Resources including iron ore, bauxite, graphite, limestone, and manganese are abundant in Odisha and are vital to the Indian economy.
- Because of its 700 historic temples, the capital city of Bhubaneswar is referred to as the City of Temples.
- Originating in the Hindu temples of Odisha, the Odissi dance is the oldest dance still performed in the nation. Additionally, the second-largest biosphere reserve in Odisha is Simlipal National Park, which is situated in the Mayurbhanj district.
- Visitors can join in the festivities by travelling to the state in April of the following year.
Websites To Celebrate Odisha Foundation Day 2025
Cleartrip: https://www.cleartrip.com/flights
EaseMyTrip: https://www.easemytrip.com/
HappyEasyGo: https://www.happyeasygo.com/
MMT Holiday Packages: https://www.makemytrip.com/holidays-india/
CanvasChamp: https://www.canvaschamp.in/
Indian Gifts Portal: https://www.igp.com/
Zoomin: https://www.zoomin.com/
Conclusion
In 2025, Odisha Foundation Day 2025 honours the state’s founding as a separate province on April 1st, 1936. With activities including parades, cultural festivals, and traditional music, the day honours the state’s rich history, culture, and vision. Along with highlighting the state’s abundant resources – such as iron ore, bauxite, graphite, limestone, and manganese – which are essential to the Indian economy, it also pays tribute to courageous leaders.
