Odisha’s Foundation Day Celebrated in Raipur with Grand Cultural Festivities
On April 1, 2026, Odisha will mark its Foundation Day, popularly known as Utkal Divas, with a vibrant celebration at Lok Bhavan in Raipur. The event was announced by Purandar Mishra, State President of the All Odisha Society and MLA of Raipur North Legislative Assembly. The program will be graced by the presence of Ramesh Bais as the chief guest and chaired by Bhupesh Baghel.
Key dignitaries expected at the celebration include ministers from the Chhattisgarh government, Leader of the Opposition Charan Das Mahanta, MPs, Raipur city MLAs, Meenal Choubey, and councillors from both Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
The program will feature a rich cultural lineup, including traditional Odia songs, devotional bhajans, Odissi dance, and Sambalpuri dance performances, reflecting the heritage and artistic legacy of Odisha. In addition, the Governor will honor talented members of the Odia community for their contributions.
Utkal Divas commemorates the official formation of Odisha province on April 1, 1936, when the state was recognized as a separate entity. At the time, a significant portion of present-day Chhattisgarh was part of Odisha, and Odia-speaking people from various communities continue to reside in Chhattisgarh. Today, the Odia population in the state exceeds 3.5 million.
The tradition of celebrating Utkal Divas in Raipur dates back to the 1990s, with the first official celebration taking place in 1994. This year’s event not only honors Odisha’s historical legacy but also highlights the enduring cultural bonds between Chhattisgarh and Odisha and the contributions of the Odia community to the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
The celebration promises to be a vibrant showcase of heritage, music, dance, and community spirit, reinforcing the shared history and cultural pride that continues to unite the Odia diaspora in Chhattisgarh.
