Utkal Dibasa: Honoring Odisha’s Formation

Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Day or Vishuva Milan, is celebrated annually on April 1 to commemorate the formation of the state of Odisha in 1936. The day honors the long struggle of the Odia-speaking people who sought a distinct political and cultural identity separate from the Bengal Presidency. Originally part of the Bihar and Orissa Province under British rule, Odisha became the first Indian state to be formed on a linguistic basis. The celebration reflects the state’s rich heritage, historical legacy, and the efforts of prominent leaders who played a crucial role in its formation.

Historical Background

Ancient Odisha

• The region was known as Kalinga, famous for its prosperity and resistance against external invasions.
• King Ashoka conquered Kalinga in 261 BCE, leading to the famous Kalinga War, which transformed him into a proponent of Buddhism.
• King Kharavela later restored Kalinga’s dominance and expanded its political influence.
• Odisha is historically recognized for its advancements in art, architecture, and sculpture.

Medieval and Colonial Era

• Gajapati Mukunda Deva was the last Hindu ruler of Odisha, who was defeated by the Mughals in 1576.
• The region was later ruled by the Marathas before coming under British control in 1803.
• The British divided Odisha into various parts, integrating it with the Bengal Presidency, along with Bihar and West Bengal.

Struggle for Statehood

• The demand for a separate Odisha state emerged due to the neglect of Odia language and culture under British administration.
• Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Pandita Nilakantha Das were among the prominent leaders advocating for Odisha’s identity.
• The Utkal Sabha (1882) and Utkal Sammilani (1903) played a major role in uniting Odia-speaking regions.
• The Indian National Congress supported the demand for linguistic reorganization of states.
• After extensive administrative inquiries, Odisha was granted statehood on April 1, 1936.

Formation of Odisha State

Odisha was created by merging regions from,

• Bihar and Orissa Province – 42% land, 66% population
• Madras Province – 53% land, 31.7% population
• Central Provinces – 5% land, 2.3% population
• The state initially had six districts: Cuttack, Puri, Baleswar, Sambalpur, Koraput, and Ganjam.
• The first Governor of Odisha was John Austin Hubback.
• Cuttack was the original capital before Bhubaneswar was declared the state capital.

Lesser-Known Facts About Odisha

• The state was first called Utkala, meaning a land of skilled artisans.
• It was the first Indian state formed on a linguistic basis.
• Odisha is mentioned in ancient texts as Kantara and Indravana, known for its gemstones.
• The state was officially renamed from Orissa to Odisha in 2011.
• Odisha hosts more festivals than the number of months in a year.
• It is home to the Sun Temple of Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Odisha Day Celebrations

• The day is observed as a restricted holiday in the state.
• Celebrations include cultural programs, parades, and tributes to freedom fighters.
• Sudarshan Pattnaik, a renowned sand artist, creates sculptures to mark the occasion.
• The Prime Minister and other leaders extend greetings, recognizing Odisha’s contributions.

Other Details About Odisha

• Governor – Hari Babu Kambhapati
• CM – Mohan Charan Majhi
• Capital – Bhubneshwar
• 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