Utkal Divas or Odisha Day is observed on April 1 every year to celebrate the establishment of the state of Odisha in 1936. This day is a celebration of the achievement of the long struggle of the people of Odisha to establish an independent state. Before its formation, Odisha was a part of the Bengal Presidency during the British rule, together with present-day Bihar and West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of state on Odisha Day, popularly known as ‘Utkal Divas’ on Tuesday. It commemorates the creation of the state of Odisha way back in 1936. He stated, ‘India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature and music’, in an X post.
“This day is a fitting tribute to Odisha’s glorious culture. India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature and music. Odisha’s people are hardworking and have excelled in diverse fields. Over the last year, the Centre and Odisha Governments are working extensively to further the state’s progress.”
Warm wishes on Utkala Dibasa!
This day is a fitting tribute to Odisha’s glorious culture. India takes pride in Odisha’s history, literature and music. Odisha’s people are hardworking and have excelled in diverse fields. Over the last year, the Centre and Odisha Governments are…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2025
The significance of Utkal Divas lies in its political, historical, and cultural importance. The land, known previously as Kalinga, had many strong kings. It was first conquered by Magadha King Ashoka in 261 BC and was added to the Mauryan Empire afterward. However, under the reign of King Kharavela, Odisha regained its sovereignty. Kharavela is known for building Odisha’s rich cultural heritage of art and architecture and enhancing its political status.
During medieval periods, Gajapati Mukunda Deva was the last Hindu ruler of Odisha prior to the conquest by Mughals in 1576. Afterwards, the British also occupied it and divided Odisha, uniting its northern and western portions with the Bengal Presidency. The division overlooked the cultural and linguistic identity of the area and left a call for reunifying Odia-speaking areas.
Demand for Odisha statehood progressed due to the continuous effort of the pivotal personalities such as Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Pandita Nilakantha Das. Their untiring efforts brought about the establishment of Odisha as an independent province on April 1, 1936, with its first governor being Sir John Hubbak.
Utkal Divas is observed with great enthusiasm across the state. Cultural festivals, competitions, and public gatherings are organized to honor the lives of the leaders who fought for the identity of Odisha. The day is declared as a holiday with restrictions so that citizens can take part in celebrations.
Odisha was previously referred to as Orissa before the Indian government made its name official change in 2011 under the 113th Constitutional Amendment. With Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the helm, Odisha continues to rejoice in its glorious past and prosperity, and Utkal Divas remains a synonym for pride and unity among its citizens.
