The Odisha government will observe “Odia Pakhya-2026” — a 14-day celebration dedicated to promoting Odia language, literature, culture, and heritage — from April 1 (Odisha Day/Utkal Divas) to April 14 (Odia New Year/Pana Sankranti).
A high-level preparatory meeting was held today at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg. Senior officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department Rashmita Panda and Additional Chief Secretary of Labour & ESI Department Chitra Arumugam, attended the meeting.
The theme for this year’s fortnight-long observance is framed as “a cultural renaissance”. Officials described it not merely as a festival but as a campaign to awaken Odia pride and self-respect in every Odia heart. The government has planned over 14 major programmes across various departments, aiming for massive public participation at state, district, sub-division, and block levels, including in New Delhi.
Key Highlights of the Celebrations:
- April 1 (Odisha Day): State-level functions will be held in the morning at Suando (Puri district), the birthplace of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, and in the evening at Krishi Shiksha Sadan in Bhubaneswar. Similar observances will take place across all districts and sub-divisions.
- April 2 (Khadi Chhuan Divas): Special enrolment drives for children in primary schools and “Pravesh Utsav” (welcome festivals) in educational institutions, in collaboration with the School & Mass Education Department.
- April 3–4 (Traditional Attire Campaign): “Ama Poshak, Ama Parichay” — government offices and institutions will promote wearing traditional Odia attire, with selfie competitions. April 4 will also feature a special drive to install name boards in Odia at shops, markets, and establishments.
- April 5: Heritage Mass Run organised jointly by Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education departments to connect youth with Odisha’s historical sites and legacy.
- April 6: State-wide cleanliness and beautification drive at temples and heritage sites.
- April 7 (Shishu Katha Divas): Focus on children with distribution of Odia primers, children’s literature, and Atibadi Jagannath Das’s Odia Bhagavat; storytelling competitions and “Aas Janiba Ama Budget” sessions to inform people about government schemes.
- April 8: Blood donation camps in collaboration with Red Cross, Health & Family Welfare, and Higher Education departments.
- April 9: “Aas Bahi Tie Kiniba” — book purchase drives and exhibitions to promote reading.
- April 10: “Loka Kala Pain Dinatie” — honouring folk artists and showcasing traditional performing arts.
- April 11: “Amrita Pidhi Saraswat Samaroh” by Odisha Sahitya Akademi — literary discussions and Odia literature festival.
- April 12: “Bandaniya Baraputra” — tributes to great Odia personalities with essay and elocution competitions among students.
- April 13: “Ama Ruchi, Ama Khadya” — traditional Odia food festival and cooking competitions to promote local cuisine.
- April 14: State-level Odia Naba Barsha celebration and valedictory function of Odia Pakhya at Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar. Award distribution to winners of various competitions and cultural programmes will mark the conclusion. Similar events will be held at the district levels. Pana (a traditional sweet drink) will be distributed during programmes on this day.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg directed all departments to make the programmes grand, attractive, and inclusive. She emphasised widespread publicity and encouraged people from all sections of society to participate actively by uploading photos, selfies, and videos using the hashtag #OdiaPakhya2026.
The Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department will coordinate the fortnight-long events, with support from multiple government departments.
