Utkal Divas 2023: History & Significance

Utkal Divas also known as Odisha Day is celebrated every year on April 1 in Odisha. This day is celebrated to mark the demarcation of Odisha as an independent state.

On April 1, 1936, Odisha was separated from the combined Bengal-Bihar-Orissa province. Hence the day marks the formation of the state as a separate state out of the Bihar and Orissa Province. On the same day, Odisha got Koraput and Ganjam districts from the Madras Presidency.

This year, the state will celebrate its 88th Foundation Day today. Utkal Divas also known as Orissa Foundation Day and Vishuva Milan.

History

Odisha lost its political identity entirely in 1568 following the defeat and demise of the last king Mukunda Dev. After a lot of efforts and struggles resulted in the formation of a politically separate state under British rule on a linguistic basis on April 1, 1936.

The newly formed state of Odisha consisted of six districts including Cuttack, Puri, Baleswar, Sambalpur, Koraput, and Ganjam. John Austin Hubback was the first Governor of Odisha Province.

Significance
Utkal Diwas is celebrated to honor the struggle of its people for a separate state and to promote unity among the citizens. The day is celebrated with enthusiasm across Odisha. Celebrating Utkala Divas is an essential step in asserting identity for the Odia people as they had to struggle for this independence.