- 1 April every year
- Province formed in 1936
- Also called Utkala Dibasa
Where it began
Before 1936 the Odia speaking lands were divided between several provinces, and Odia people wished to come together in one province of their own.
Leaders such as Madhusudan Das, called Utkal Gourav, worked for this through the Utkal Sammilani, a body formed in 1903. Many others joined the cause over the years.
On 1 April 1936 Orissa was made a separate province. In 2011 the name was changed to Odisha in English.
How it grew over time
1903
The Utkal Sammilani is formed to bring Odia speaking areas together.
1 April 1936
Orissa becomes a separate province.
1950
Orissa becomes a state of the Republic of India.
2011
The name changes to Odisha.
Today
The day is a state holiday with cultural events everywhere.
How it is celebrated in different places
Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
State functions, Odissi dance and music, and tributes to the leaders of the movement.
Across Odisha
Schools and towns hold songs, plays and talks about Odia language and history.
Odia diaspora
Odia groups in other cities and abroad gather for food, music and dance.
Odisha Day moments
Odisha Day today
People share greetings, enjoy Odia food such as pakhala and rasagola, and celebrate Odissi dance, Pattachitra painting and the language itself.
