The Odisha government has announced the second edition of “Odia Pakhya 2026”, a vibrant 14-day cultural festival that will be observed across every district and in the state capital from April 1 to April 14.
First held in 2025, the fortnight-long event is being organised in response to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s call to make the Odia language, traditions and heritage a living part of everyday life.
The festival aims to showcase Odisha’s rich cultural tapestry — its literature, folk arts, traditional attire, cuisine, historical landmarks and more — while encouraging active public participation. Various state departments have lined up themed programmes for each day.
Daily Highlights:
- April 1: Odisha Day celebrations by the Information & Public Relations Department.
- April 2: “Khadi Chhua Divas” for children joining pre-primary and Class 1, organised by the School & Mass Education Department.
- April 3: Traditional Attire Day – “Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya Divas” by the Handloom, Textiles & Handicrafts Department.
- April 4: “Odiaare Naam Phalaka Lekha Abhiyan” – nameplate campaign and padayatra by the Labour & Employees’ State Insurance Department.
- April 5: “Aitihya Gana Daud” (Heritage Run) near historical sites by the Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education Departments.
- April 6: Statewide cleanliness drive at temples and public places by the Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development Departments.
- April 7: “Shishu Katha Divas” to promote children’s stories and folktales by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department.
- April 8: Blood donation camps by the Health & Family Welfare and Higher Education Departments.
- April 9: “Aa Bahi Tie Kiniba Abhiyan” – book-buying campaign by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture and Higher Education Departments.
- April 10: “Loka Kala Pain Dinatie” – a special day to promote folk arts and honour artists by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department.
- April 11: “Amrutapadhi Samaroh” – creativity programmes for children, adolescents and youth by the School & Mass Education, Skill Development & Technical Education and Higher Education Departments.
- April 12: “Bandaniya Baraputra” – tributes to great Odia personalities by the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department.
- April 13: Traditional Food Day – “Ama Ruchi Ama Khadya Divas” by the Panchayati Raj, Housing & Urban Development and Tourism Departments.
- April 14: Grand statewide celebrations of Odia New Year.
To ensure maximum participation, the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture has launched the official website Odiapakhya.com and the Odia Pakhya App.
Citizens can download the app, take part in quizzes, upload reels and selfies related to traditional food, music, dance, cleanliness drives and other events, and receive digital certificates.
The government has urged all citizens, educational institutions, NGOs, youth and cultural organisations to join the celebrations.
