Bhubaneswar: Utkal Divas or Utakala Dibasha is celebrated on April 1 every year to remember the formation of the Odisha state after a struggle to be recognised as an independent state. Under the British rule, Odisha was part of the Bengal presidency, which consisted of the present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Utkal Divas is celebrated with enthusiasm across Odisha. On this day, people pray for the good health of the state and its people. Celebrating Utkala Divas or Utakala Dibasa is an essential step in asserting identity for the Odia people as they had to struggle for this independence.
Since the year of inception in 1936, Utkal Divas date is 1st April and will continue to be one of the most critical days in the history of Orissa. Hence, some people refer to it as Odisha Day too.
History
On 1st April 1936, a separate state was carved out of the Orissa and Bihar provinces in British India, which was called Odisha. This event took place after three decades of struggle for independence for the Odia people. To commemorate this event, 1st April is celebrated as Utkal Divas. Here is some more information about the history of this day:
The area known as Odisha used to be a part of Kalinga, one of the many kingdoms that emerged from the ashes after the great war of Ashoka.
On Utkal Divas, the Parliament of India first declared its resolve to liberate Odisha from British rule and form a separate province – and later, an independent state – with its capital at Cuttack.
The day is still celebrated with much fanfare across the state.
History of Odisha State
The struggle for independence for the Odias intensified with the formation of the Utkal Sammilani, a cultural and social organization. This organization was formed to fight for the formation of Odisha as an independent state. Utkala Gouraba Madhusudan Das founded this organization in 1903, and in its honor, the formation of Odisha state is celebrated as Utkal Divas.
Utkal Divas Importance
The people of Odisha are very proud of their state and its heritage. They have many reasons to celebrate this day as so many things contribute to their identity as a state. The Utkal Divas is celebrated with much pomp and show every year. Here is why this day is considered important:
The people of Odisha celebrate this day with enthusiasm and fervour.
Utkal Divas is celebrated to remember the historical event in 1936 when Odisha became a separate province from Bengal and Bihar.
Orissa was the first state to be formed based on the language of Oriya. It was the first to be used in the court of Ashoka, which later on became the official government language in the region.
On this day, the Chief Minister of the Odisha government hoists the flag and delivers a speech in a public place every year.
A public meeting is also arranged in the evening where people gather and respect their forefathers who struggled to get freedom from British rule.
