Bhubaneswar celebrated its 78th Capital Foundation Day today with grand events, cultural programs, and city-wide decorations.
The modern city, once a dense forest area, was designed in 1946 by renowned architect Otto Koenigsberger. On April 13, 1948, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, laid the foundation stone, marking Bhubaneswar as the new capital of Odisha. Since then, the day has been observed annually as Capital Foundation Day.
This year, the city witnessed vibrant celebrations. Government buildings, including Lok Seva Bhawan and the Assembly, were illuminated with colourful lights. A ceremonial parade took place in the morning, followed by floral tributes at the foundation plaque.
Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy attended as the chief guest and inaugurated the two-day festivities. She hoisted the flag and paid homage at the Capital Foundation plaque.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Information and Public Relations Department organised a special photo exhibition at Jayadev Bhawan, showcasing the city’s journey from “Temple City” to “Smart City.” Cultural programs are scheduled across two days to mark the occasion.
