Celebrate Utkal Divas 2025 on April 1, honoring Odisha's statehood and rich heritage. Discover its history, significance, and how Odisha Statehood Day is celebrated.
theIAShub | 01 Apr, 2025 | 182 | 0
Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Day or Odisha Foundation Day or Odisha statehood day, is a very special day for the people of Odisha. It is celebrated every year on April 1 to remember the formation of Odisha as a separate state. This day marks an important event in the history of Odisha, as it became an independent province on April 1, 1936.
Utkal Divas 2025 will be a day of joy and pride for the people of Odisha. It is a time to celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and history of the state. People of Odisha come together on this day to honor their heritage and remember the struggles of their ancestors who fought for a separate state.
Every year, Odisha celebrates Utkal Divas on April 1 to remember the formation of the state. Before becoming a separate state, Odisha was part of the Bengal presidency under British rule. The Bengal presidency included present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
The formation of Odisha as a separate state was a great achievement. It was the result of the hard work and sacrifices of many leaders who wanted a distinct identity for Odisha. Today, Utkal Divas is a restricted holiday in Odisha. It is also known as Odisha Foundation Day and Vishuva Milan.
Also Read: UPSC Study Material
Odisha Foundation Day, also called Odisha Statehood Day, will be celebrated on April 1, 2025, just like every year. On this day, people remember the efforts of their ancestors and the leaders who helped form the state of Odisha.
Odisha has a long and rich history. Many powerful rulers ruled the region. In 261 BC, King Ashoka of Magadha conquered Kalinga, which is now Odisha, to expand his Mauryan Empire. After the Mauryan rule ended, King Kharavela became the ruler of Odisha. He defeated Magadha and made Odisha famous for its art, architecture, and sculptures. Kharavela played an important role in making Odisha a strong and powerful region.
In 1576, the last Hindu king of Odisha, Gajapati Mukunda Deva, was defeated by the Mughals. Later, the British took control and divided Odisha into different parts. Some parts of Odisha were included in the Bengal presidency.
Odisha became a separate province after years of struggle. On April 1, 1936, Odisha was officially formed as an independent state under British rule. This was an important moment in the history of Odisha. The first governor of Odisha was Sir John Hubbak.
Also Read: UPSC CSAT Syllabus 2025
The formation of Odisha as an independent province was a result of the relentless struggle of its people. Their aspirations were finally fulfilled when Odisha was granted statehood on April 1, 1936. Sir John Hubbak was appointed as the first governor of the newly formed state.
Several eminent leaders played a crucial role in this movement, including Utkala Gouraba Madhusudan Das, Utkala Mani Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Pandita Nilakantha Das. Their contributions in shaping Odisha’s identity remain an inspiration for future generations.
The state was initially known as Orissa, but in March 2011, the Indian Parliament passed the Orissa Bill and Constitution Bill (113th amendment), officially renaming it Odisha.
Currently, Mohan Charan Majhi (BJP) is serving as the Chief Minister of Odisha.
Odisha is a state in eastern India, bordered by Jharkhand and West Bengal to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to the south, and Chhattisgarh to the west. Before India’s independence in 1947, its capital was Cuttack. Later, Bhubaneswar was established as the capital, situated in the east-central coastal plains near the city’s historic temples. In 2011, the state’s name was officially changed from Orissa to Odisha.
Credit: www.mapsofindia.com
| Category | Details |
| Heritage | Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple |
| Rivers | Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Rushikulya |
| National Parks | Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park |
| Monuments | Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Rajarani Temple |
| Famous Festivals | Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Konark Festival |
| Dance Forms | Odissi, Chhau, Ghumura |
| Tribes | Santals, Juang, Bonda, Kondh |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries | Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Major Cities | Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur |
Utkal Divas is not just a historical remembrance but a celebration of Odisha’s unique identity. On this day, the people of Odisha pay tribute to the sacrifices of their ancestors, showcase their cultural richness, and reflect on the state’s progress. Various programs, including cultural events, exhibitions, and social initiatives, are organized across Odisha to mark the occasion.
The celebration strengthens regional pride and inspires the younger generations to appreciate their state’s glorious past while working towards a better future.
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Several leaders contributed to Odisha’s statehood movement, but Madhusudan Das, al
Utkal Divas is observed with varso known as Utkala Gouraba, played a pivotal role in the formation of Odisha.ious cultural events, parades, and competitions across the state.
Odisha Statehood Day, also known as Utkal Divas, is celebrated on April 1 every year to commemorate the formation of Odisha as a separate province in 1936.
Odisha Statehood Day 2025 will be observed on April 1, marking the 89th anniversary of the state's formation.
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