April 1, 1936, remains etched in golden letters as the day Odisha became India’s first province formed on a linguistic basis. Today, celebrating its 90th Utkal Divas, the state honors the legendary "Baraputras" whose relentless struggle restored the identity of the Odia people.
The history of this resilience dates back to 1568, when the fall of King Mukunda Dev ended Odisha’s independence. After centuries of colonial rule starting in 1803, a powerful cultural renaissance—the Nabajagaran Parva—ignited in the late 19th century. This movement culminated in the historic 1936 victory, ending decades of fragmentation.
To mark this milestone, the capital city has been transformed into a spectacle of light. Iconic landmarks, including Lokseva Bhawan, the State Assembly, and Kharavela Bhawan, are brilliantly illuminated, reflecting the pride of a nation.
Every April 1st is more than a date; it is a tribute to the "sons of the soil" who ensured that the sun of an independent Odisha would rise again, vibrant and unified.