Odisha Foundation Day 2024: Utkal Divas, Know this State History, Culture and Celebration

Every year on April 1, Odisha celebrates its rich heritage and cultural identity. This day is marked as Odisha Foundation Day, or Utkal Divas which commemorates the formation of the state in 1936.

Utkal Divas is a time for Odias to celebrate their unique identity. Homes and public spaces are decorated in vibrant colours. Cultural programmes showcase the beauty of Odissi dance, which is a classical art form known for its graceful movements. 

Odisha Foundation Day is a moment to reflect on Odisha's past and its promising future. The state has a rich history, followed by being a land of innovation as it is making significant developments in industrial and technological sectors.

Sand artist Sudarshan Patnayak dedicates a sand statue to Odisha's statehood day.

Utkala Diwas, also known as the #Odisha Diwas, is the foundation day of Odisha, a state located in the eastern part of India. Every year, the state celebrates April 1 as the day of its origin. On… pic.twitter.com/0y5p5deN9N

— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 1, 2024

#Odisha: Bhubaneswar shines bright on the occasion of Utkal Divas

Utkal Divas or Odisha day is celebrated on first day of April every year to commemorate the foundation day of the state of Odisha.#odishafoundationday pic.twitter.com/4Q2A8EL7BI

— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 1, 2024

Unprecedented boost to Infra in Odisha: More than Rs 19,000 crore worth of projects dedicated and foundation stone laid. pic.twitter.com/cJsFCNNtnc

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (मोदी का परिवार) (@AshwiniVaishnaw) March 5, 2024

What is the History of Odisha Foundation Day?

Odisha Foundation Day celebrates the formation of the state of Odisha on April 1, 1936. Before that, the region was part of the Bihar province under British rule.

The road to becoming a separate state wasn't easy. There were decades of struggle by many Odia leaders to bring out a distinct identity for the region based on language and culture. Their efforts finally became successful in 1936, when Odisha was established as a separate province.

Odisha Foundation Day is a day to remember the sacrifices of those leaders and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the state. 

What is the Significance of Odisha Foundation Day?

Odisha Foundation Day, also known as Utkal Divas, holds significance for many reasons:

• Celebrates State Formation: It marks the historic date of April 1, 1936, when Odisha became a separate state after years of struggle for recognition based on its unique language and culture.
• Celebrates Cultural Identity:  It is a day to celebrate Odisha's distinct cultural heritage. From magnificent temples like the Konark Sun Temple to the vibrant Odissi dance form, the day highlights the rich traditions of the state.
• Promotes Unity and Pride: Utkal Divas encourages a sense of unity and pride among the Odia people. It's a time to come together and appreciate the shared history and achievements of the state.

What is the Culinary culture of Odisha?

Odia cuisine boasts a delightful range of dishes, both simple and flavourful. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Pakhala: A fermented rice dish with yoghurt, perfect for the hot summers.
• Dalma: A lentil stew that is simmered with vegetables and a touch of coconut.
• Chungdi Malai: A creamy prawn curry that captures the essence of Odisha's coastal region.
• Macha Ghanta: A fish curry featuring a rich blend of potatoes, garlic, onions, and spices.
• Dahibara Aloo Dum: Lentil fritters (dahibara) dunked in a potato curry.
• Badi Chura: A sun-dried lentil cake crumbled and served with a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves.
• Chhena Poda: A cheesecake-like dessert made with cottage cheese and caramelised sugar, a true Odia specialty.
• Rasabali: Soft cheese balls dipped in sweetened condensed milk, a famous temple offering.
• Kanika: A sweet rice dish traditionally offered at the Puri Jagannath temple.

What are the Famous Dances of Odisha?

Odisha has many vibrant dance forms. Here are some of the famous dances of Odisha:

• Odissi: It is the most well-known, Odissi is a classical dance form known for its graceful movements. This dance is known for its storytelling through mudras (hand gestures), and footwork.
• Chhau: It is a semi-classical dance form that has martial art and folk roots. Chhau dance showcases themes of war, hunting, and heroic tales. It is particularly known for its energetic movements and use of masks. 
• Gotipua Dance: This unique dance form is performed by young boys dressed as girls. It is considered a precursor to the Odissi classical dance form and is known for its playful movements and colourful costumes. 
• Dalkhai Dance: A vibrant folk dance performed during festivals like Dussehra and Raja. It's particularly popular in western Odisha and involves men dancing in synchronised steps to the beat of drums and flutes. 
• Karma Dance: A dance performed involving dancers forming a circle and moving rhythmically to the beats of drums and flutes. 

How is Odisha Foundation Day Celebrated?

Odisha Foundation Day is a vibrant celebration that showcases the state's rich culture and heritage. Here's how Odisha celebrates this special day:

Patriotic Display: The state gets adorned with a festive look. Homes and public buildings are decorated with flags, banners, and flowers. This visual display reflects the pride the people have in their state.

Cultural Programs:  A variety of cultural programmes are organised across the state. These events feature classical dance performances like Odissi, folk dances like Dalkhai and Sambalpuri, traditional music, and poetry recitals.

Food Festivals:  Odisha's culinary heritage takes centre stage with food festivals showcasing the diversity of Odia cuisine.  People get to savour delicacies like Pakhala, Dahibara Aloo Dum, Chhena Poda, and many more.

Speeches and Tributes:  Official functions are held where dignitaries deliver speeches highlighting the significance of the day and pay tribute to the leaders who fought for a separate Odisha state.

Community Events: Many communities organise special events like tree planting drives or blood donation camps to mark the occasion and give back to society.