Bhubaneswar Celebrates 76th Foundation day Today, Brush Up Its History

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s capital city, Bhubaneswar is celebrating 76th Foundation Day on Saturday.

Foundation stone of Bhubaneswar was laid by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on April 13, 1948.

Bhubaneswar’s first masterplan was prepared by renowned German architect Otto Koenigsberger in 1948 for a population of 40,000.

Bhubaneswar replaced Cuttack as the capital of the State in 1948.

Bhubaneswar’s existence dates back to over 3,000 years beginning from the Mahamegha-bahana Chedi dynasty (around 2nd century BC) with Sisupalgarh as its capital.

The city derives its name from Bhubaneswar derived its name from Tribhubaneswar, referring to Lord Shiva. Its other names in the past were Toshali, Kalinga Nagari, Nagar Kalinga, Ekamra Kanan, Ekamra Kshetra.

On the banks of the Daya river near Dhauli on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Emperor Ashoka embraced the principle of ahimsa after the Kalinga war.

In recent times, Bhubaneswar has emerged as a key urban centre of the country. It has been accorded the Smart City tag by the Government of India. Bhubaneswar stood number one among the best cities of India with a score of 78.83 points.

To mark the Capital Foundation Day, Lok Seva Bhawan, State Assembly, Commissionerate of Police office building and other landmark structures of the city are illuminated with decorative lights. Students took out a civilian parade in the morning which will be followed by a cultural programme in the afternoon.