Utkal Divas will be celebrated in a grand manner, says Suraj
Bhubaneswar: The Mohan Charan Majhi government on Sunday announced programmes to celebrate the Utkal Divas in a grand manner. Utkal Divas, also known as Odisha Day, is celebrated on April 1 every year to commemorate the formation of the State of Odisha. On this day in 1936, Odisha was carved out as a separate State from Bihar and Orissa province under British rule, based on linguistic identity. Addressing a press conference here, Odisha Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said: This year, for the first time, Odia Paksha will be celebrated with great pomp from Odisha Day on April 1 to the Odia New Year on April 14. To celebrate Utkal Divas, various programmes will be organised by different government departments from the block level to the State level, Suraj said, adding that Odia Paksha will be celebrated with the aim of making Odia culture, customs and our traditions known to the world. The minister said different days from April 1 to April 14 will be celebrated to highlight Odishas language, culture, tradition, festivals, dress and other aspects representing Odia Asmita (pride).