Know The Significance Of Odisha Foundation Day!

Every year on April 1, Utkal Divas, or Utakala Dibasha, is observed to commemorate the formation of the Odisha state after an extended struggle to be recognized as an independent state. At present, Biju Janta Dal (BJD) member Naveen Patnaik was the Odisha CM.

Odisha was a part of the Bengal presidency, which included West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, during the British colonial era. In 1936, Odisha was formed as a separate state in the country. In 2011, Orissa was renamed Odisha.

The day is marked as a restricted holiday throughout the state. This day is also called Vishuva Milan and Odisha Foundation Day. Odisha Day is important for the people of the state.

Why? Because it became a part of Kalinga after Ashoka, King of Magadha, occupied the area in 261 BC to extend his Mauryan rule. In Odisha, King Kharavela took over after the Mauryan era. By destroying Magadh, Kharavela was able to exact revenge on the Mauryan invasion.

The new province of Odisha was established on April 1, 1936. Sir John Hubbak was the state’s first governor. The state was once known as Orissa, but in March 2011, the Lok Sabha renamed it Odisha by passing the Orissa Bill and the Constitution Bill (113th Amendment).