Every year on April 1, Odisha celebrates its foundation day, known as Odisha Formation Day or Utkala Dibasa. It marks the creation of Odisha as an independent state in 1936, a moment of great pride for every Odia citizen. But have you ever wondered why this day is so important? Let’s explore the history, significance, and cultural richness of Odisha in a fun and engaging way.
Before 1936, Odisha was not a separate state. It was part of the Bengal Presidency, along with Bihar and Jharkhand. However, Odia-speaking people wanted a state of their own to protect their unique language, traditions, and culture.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of great leaders like Madhusudan Das, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, and Fakir Mohan Senapati, the British government finally recognized Odisha as a separate state on April 1, 1936. This made Odisha the first Indian state to be formed based on language. Isn’t that fascinating?
Odisha is not just a state; it’s a treasure trove of history, art, and traditions. It is home to the world-famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, the stunning Konark Sun Temple, and the grand Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. These monuments are not just places of worship but symbols of Odisha’s glorious past.
Did you know? The classical dance form Odissi originated from Odisha and is one of the oldest dance forms in India. The state is also famous for its beautiful handloom fabrics, especially the Sambalpuri sarees, which showcase the artistic skills of Odia weavers.
Odisha Formation Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the state. Schools, colleges, and government offices organize cultural programs, exhibitions, and competitions. The streets of Odisha come alive with:
Even Odia people living outside Odisha take part in these celebrations, strengthening their bond with their homeland.
Odisha has come a long way since 1936. Today, it is one of India’s fastest-growing states, contributing significantly to the country’s development in multiple sectors:
On Odisha Formation Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to the people of Odisha. He praised the state’s rich heritage and its immense contribution to India’s progress. He also emphasized the importance of preserving Odisha’s cultural heritage while striving for future advancements
His words serve as a reminder that Odisha’s journey does not end here—it is a state that continues to grow and achieve new milestones every year!
Odisha Formation Day is more than just a date—it is a symbol of unity, resilience, and cultural pride. As we celebrate this day, let’s take a moment to appreciate Odisha’s beauty, its people, and its incredible journey.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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