Odisha Foundation Day Or Utkal Divas: Know The History And Significance
Why Is Utkal Divas Celebrated: Utkal Divas or Odisha Day is an important occasion in the Indian calendar, celebrated on April 1 each year. The event marks the formation of Odisha as a state. Odisha was once lying under the Kalinga Empire, which was invaded by Ashoka in 250 BC. During the British rule, Odisha was also a part of the Bengal Presidency.
When is Utkal Day celebrates?
Utkal Divas is also called Odisha Day. Every year, 1st April is celebrated as Utkal Divas, and this year also in 2024, Odisha will also celebrate its 89th foundation day on 1st April.
Utkal Day is celebrated as the day when the state of Odisha achieved a separate political identity. Encouraging the feeling of unity among the residents is a major reason for celebrating Utkal Day. Along with this, Odisha Day in Hindi plays an important role in keeping the memory of the struggle of the state of Odisha alive.
History of Odisha (Utkala Divas) :
- The Odisha state was established as a sovereign province on 1 April 1936. Prior to independence, Odisha belonged to the British-controlled Bengal Presidency. The state was split off from the Bengal and Bihar province on 1 April 1936 after three centuries of struggle.
- Odisha celebrates its foundation day on 1 April since on this date portions of the Madras Presidency were divided into other states.
- Following independence, Odisha and the surrounding princely states transferred their authority to the newly established Government of India. Odisha state was formed as a distinct British India province. Utkal Day is observed to mark this along with encouraging the spirit of oneness among all citizens.
- In ancient times, Odisha was part of the Kalinga Empire. It was conquered by Ashoka in 250 BC. After this, the Maurya dynasty governed here for roughly a century.
- The culture and history of Odissa is very rich. Odisha is mentioned a number of times in the Mahabharata. Anciently it was known by several names such as Kalinga, Utkala, Udra, Toshali, and Kosala.
Importance of Utkal Day:
- Utkal Divas is a day close to the hearts of Odisha’s people.
- significant: The creation of Odisha came after decades of struggle and countless sacrifices of the Odia people. Utkal Divas is a day to recall the struggles and salute those who fought for a state of their own for the people of Odisha.
- Utkal Divas is a festive day throughout the state. It provides every citizen of Odisha with a chance to reach out to their cultural heritage and rejoice in their distinct identity.
- Cultural festivities arranged by the state government during Utkal Divas unite people in rejoicing the culture of the state. These events create a sense of unity and oneness among the people of the state.
Present State of Odisha :
30 districts are in the Odisha state. It is the eighth largest state in area-wise and the 11th largest state in population. This is the third largest tribal-populated state in India. Cuttack was capital to Odisha state from 1135 to 1948. Since then, Bhubaneswar has acceded to the position of capital of Orissa. Orissa is renamed as Odisha officially on 9 November 2010 by the Indian Parliament. Odisha also called as the land of Lord Jagannath.
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