Utkala Divas 2025: Celebrating Odisha’s Foundation

Context:

The Indian Express article outlines the significance of Utkala Divas, observed annually on April 1, marking the formation of Odisha as a distinct state in 1936. As Odisha celebrates its 88th foundation day in 2025, the piece highlights its historical journey, cultural richness, and contemporary relevance, offering a comprehensive overview of this pivotal event.

Key Information in Points:

• Date of Celebration: Utkala Divas 2025 will be observed on April 1, a Tuesday, commemorating Odisha’s formation as a separate state.
• Historical Milestone: On April 1, 1936, Odisha was carved out of the Bihar and Orissa Province, incorporating Koraput and Ganjam districts from the Madras Presidency, under British rule.
• Linguistic Basis: Odisha became India’s first state formed on linguistic grounds, reflecting the prominence of the Odia language and its cultural identity.
• Pre-Formation Struggles: Odisha lost its political identity in 1568 after the defeat of King Mukunda Dev, enduring Mughal and British rule until the 19th-century Odia identity movement.
• Cultural Revival: Late 19th-century efforts focused on reviving Odia culture, culminating in the Utkal Sabha (1882) and the Utkal Sammilani (1903), led by Madhusudan Das.
• Congress Support: The Indian National Congress endorsed linguistic reorganization in 1920, boosting the Odisha statehood movement under leaders like Madhusudan Das and Gopabandhu Das.
• Key Figures: Prominent leaders included Utkala Gouraba Madhusudan Das, Utkala Mani Gopabandhu Das, Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Nilakantha Das, and Fakir Mohan Senapati.
• Formation Details: On April 1, 1936, Odisha emerged with six districts—Cuttack, Puri, Baleswar, Sambalpur, Koraput, and Ganjam—under its first Governor, John Austin Hubback.
• Significance Today: Utkala Divas celebrates Odisha’s sacrifices, cultural heritage, and unity, fostering pride in its ancient history and modern achievements.
• Celebration Highlights: The day features restricted holidays, cultural programs, seminars, exhibitions, and vibrant displays like jhankis (tableaux), showcasing Odisha’s traditions.
• Historical Roots: Once part of the Kalinga kingdom (conquered by Ashoka in 261 BCE), Odisha’s rich past includes dynastic rule and a thriving cultural legacy.
• Modern Odisha: Now the 8th largest state by area and 11th by population, Odisha is known for its tribal diversity, mineral wealth, and classical Odia language.
• Pride and Unity: Utkala Divas reinforces Odisha’s journey from subjugation to statehood, honoring its leaders and promoting a shared Odia identity.

Key Terms:

• Utkala Divas: Annual celebration on April 1 marking Odisha’s formation as a state in 1936.
• Odia Language: A classical Indian language central to Odisha’s linguistic identity and statehood.
• Utkal Sammilani: A 1903 organization pivotal in advocating for Odisha’s separate statehood.
• Linguistic Reorganization: The policy of forming states based on language, pioneered by Odisha.
• Madhusudan Das: Key leader, known as Utkala Gouraba, who spearheaded Odisha’s statehood movement.
• Kalinga Kingdom: Ancient region encompassing modern Odisha, famous for the Kalinga War.
• Jhankis: Decorative tableaux used in Utkala Divas celebrations to depict cultural themes.

Link To The Original Article – https://indianexpress.com/article/when-is/utkala-divas-2025-date-origin-significance-odisha-foundation-day-9917299/