Odisha Foundation Day 

Odisha Foundation Day is also called Utkal Divas or Utakala Dibasha. It is celebrated every year on 1 April to commemorate the foundation of Odisha as a state after the struggle to be recognised as an independent state in India on 1 April 1936. Before independence, during British rule, the state was a part of the Bengal presidency which included Odisha, West Bengal and present-day Bihar. The day is celebrated as a restricted holiday in the state and is also known as the Vishuva Milan. If you wish to know more about Odisha Foundation Day, continue reading this blog. 

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History 

During British rule, Odisha was part of the Bengal Presidency including Odisha, current day Bihar and West Bengal. It was formed as a separate state from the Bengal presidency on 1 April 1936. The revolution in this separated state of Odisha continued for three decades since the day of the formation of Utkal Sammilani. The revolution gained momentum under the leadership of  Utkala Gouraba Madhusudan Das, Utkala mani Gopabandhu Das, Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo, Basudeba Sudhaladeba and more. After the separation, the newly formed Odisha state comprised six districts namely Puri, Cuttack, Baleswar, Sambalpur, Koraput and Ganjam. Cuttack was declared the capital of the state and John Austin Hubback was the first governor of the Odisha province.

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Significance of Odisha Foundation Day

During early history, the state became part of Kalinga after Magadh King Ashoka conquered it in 261 BC to expand his rule.  King Kharavela ruled the state of Odisha after the Mauryan rule ended. The king defeated Magadh to avenge the invasion and was supposedly credited for laying the foundation of Odisha as a state of art, architecture and sculpture. He managed to establish a powerful political state.

Many notable leaders including Utkala Gouraba Madhusudan Das, Utkala mani Gopabandhu Das, and Maharaja Sri Ram Chandra Bhanj Deo contributed to the movement and struggled to establish Odisha as a separate state.  

Originally, the state was called Orissa but, in March 2011, Lok Sabha passed the Orissa Bill and Constitution Bill to rename it Odisha.

How is it Celebrated?

Odisha Foundation Day is celebrated with utmost enthusiasm in the state. Many of the shops and Jhankis make this day even more beautiful. Local politicians organise various events and competitions like fireworks competitions for the public. It is a sign to behold the sky lit up with stunning fireworks. Many cultural programs like song-singing are organised for the Odia people. The day is a remembrance for all of Odia and helps the people to be united. 

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