Utkal Diwas or Odisha Foundation Day 2023: On April 1st, 2023, Utkal Diwas or Odisha Foundation Day is celebrated all over the state of Odisha, India. It is a national day observed annually on April 1st every year. It is celebrated on April 1 every year to remember the formation of the Odisha state after a struggle to be recognized as an independent state. Under British rule, Odisha was part of the Bengal presidency, which consisted of the present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. The foundation day of Odisha is known as Odisha Day or Utkal Diwas. The state of Odisha got its own identity as a separate state in the year 1936, after disassociating itself from Bihar and Bengal. 

The state celebrates the day with a restricted holiday. The day is also known as  Vishuva Milan. Odisha celebrates the 86th foundation day and is also known as Utkal Divas. In 1936, it was the first state that was formed on a linguistic basis. Earlier, it was part of Bihar. The people of Odisha are known for their simplicity and honest

List of important Days in April 2023

Utkal Diwas or Odisha Foundation Day History

Odisha used to form a major portion of the ancient Kalinga. The region witnessed the epic “Kalinga War” led by King Ashoka who invaded and conquered the region in 260 BC. Later, the state was invaded and taken over by the Mughals till the British took over the administrative powers of the region and divided it into small units in 1803. The western and northern districts became a part of the state of Bengal while the coastal region formed the basis of Bihar and Odisha (then known as Orissa). After decades of struggle under the leadership of Odisha’s eminent leaders, the new province came into existence on the 1st of April 1936. The state saw another facelift, now in terms of its name being changed from Orissa to Odisha. In the year 1912, Orissa and Bihar were formed and on 1 April 1936, Odisha was formed.

Utkal Diwas or Odisha Foundation Day 2023 Theme

The Indian state of Odisha came into being on April 1, 1936, around a decade before India achieved independence from British colonization. The state was established as a separate British Indian province and the day is celebrated as Orissa Day to encourage the remembrance of the same and foster a spirit of unity among all the citizens of the state. The entire state indulges in merrymaking on Utkal Diwas with decorated shops, competitions arranged by local politicians, and cultural programs arranged by various families.

Utkal Diwas or Odisha Foundation Day 2023 Significance

Odisha is the third state in India in terms of tribal population. It has been ruled by a number of rulers in history. Cuttack was the capital of the state from 1135 till 1948, after which Bhubaneswar took the mantle. Over 31 percent of the state is covered with forests and it boasts a great variety of flora and fauna. Odisha has the imprints of early human civilization as well and many prehistoric tools dating to the Lower Paleolithic era have been discovered across the region. On the date of Utkal Diwas, people participate in local cultural events organized by political leaders and watch colorful. Natives celebrate the spirit of Odisha by exchanging greetings,  singing songs, and digging into the history, heritage, art, and traditions of the state. During the festivity, brave leaders who battled for the establishment of the state are also remembered and honored by the people.

Utkal Diwas or Odisha Foundation Day 2023 Quotes

• On this Utkal Dibasa, I want everybody to have such love, affection, and happiness, which is regarded as a special one.
• Greetings to all the people of Odisha and tribute to all who participated in the struggle and sacrificed their lives for the cause. May their souls rest in peace.
• Every citizen of the state should come this Odisha day, and wish them, compliments and greet each other so that everyone can have a special and happy day

Utkal Diwas or Odisha Foundation Day 2023 FAQs

Q. Why do we celebrate Utkal Divas in Odisha?

Utkal Divas is celebrated on April 1 every year to remember the formation of the Odisha state after a struggle to be recognized as an independent state. Under British rule, Odisha was part of the Bengal presidency, which consisted of the present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Q. When was Utkal Divas first celebrated?

Odisha Day, also Utkala Dibasa is celebrated on 1 April in the Indian state of Odisha in memory of the formation of the state as a separate state out of Bihar and Orissa Province with the addition of Koraput and Ganjam from the Madras Presidency on 1 April 1936.