Utkal Divas

Utkal Divas, also known as the Odisha Day, is celebrated on 1st April each year to commemorate the creation of Odisha. The state celebrated its 86th formation day in 2021. 

The following sections will provide a detailed idea about Utkal Divas and its background in the context of the IAS Exam. 

Candidates preparing for the upcoming civil services exam must acquaint themselves with the Important Days and Dates for the UPSC Prelims exam. Objective type questions based on the same are frequently asked in the phase 1 examination. 

Utkal Divas [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

All UPSC Exam aspirants can learn more about the schemes, aspects and background of Odisha, through the related links given below:

Background of Utkal Divas 

The region, which belongs to modern-day Odisha, was included in Kalinga by King Ashoka, the great Mauryan emperor of Magadha, in 261 BC. Later, King Kharavela defeated Magadha and began to rule over Kalinga.

The coastal parts of Orissa were captured by the Mughals in 1576 after they vanquished Gajapati Mukunda Deva. He is referred to as the last Hindu ruler of Odisha. However, parts of the coastal region fell to the Marathas during the mid-1700s. The East India Company segregated the southern portion of Orissa after the Carnatic War, and combined it with its Madras Presidency.

Later, on 1st April 1936, a separate province was carved out of the Orissa Province and Bihar, with the addition of Koraput and Ganjam from the erstwhile Madras Presidency. 

Odisha’s Struggle for Independence

The struggle for a politically separate state on a linguistic basis under British rule paid off in 1936. Some of the notable names of this struggle included Gopabandhu Das, Madhusudan Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Radhanath Ray, and many others.

The political strive for a separate state continued for around three decades under the guidance of the Utkal Sammilani that was founded by Madhusudan Das in 1903. 

This newly formed province was created with six districts such as Cuttack, Baleswar, Puri, Koraput, Ganjam and Sambalpur. Cuttack became the provincial capital.

Celebrations on Utkal Divas

The Utkal Divas is celebrated with grand festivities in the state with several decorated shops and jhankis. Firework competitions and cultural programs are arranged to celebrate the day. 

In addition, various colourful tableaus are organised and displayed on this day. State government departments and various private organisations participate in these events.

However, the State Government decided to have a low-profile celebration due to the pandemic in 2021. 

Importance of Utkal Divas

Utkal Divas is a memorable day for the people of Odisha, and its importance lies in the following facts:

• Remembering the sacrifices for independent statehood: The independence of Odisha came after years of struggle and numerous sacrifices of the Odia people. This day is meant to remember those struggles and sacrifices, and pay homage to those who strived for a separate land for the people of Odisha. 
• Opportunity for celebration: Utkal Divas is celebrated throughout the entire state to commemorate its creation. This day provides a chance for every resident of Odisha to feel a closer connection with their cultural roots and identity. 
• Promotes a sense of unity: The State Government of Odisha organises numerous cultural events on this day. Such events present an excellent platform for people to come together and celebrate the culture of this state. Utkal Divas celebrations foster a sense of unity and togetherness among all residents of the state.

About Odisha

The state of Odisha is located on the eastern coast of the country. It is the ninth-largest state in terms of area and eleventh-largest on the basis of population. Bhubaneswar is the current capital city, while Cuttack remained its capital till 1948. 

Odisha consists of 30 districts, 317 Tehsils, 58 Sub-divisions, 314 Blocks and 3 Divisions. The state comes with a rich cultural and historical heritage and is known for its intricately designed temples. These temples serve as popular tourist destinations. 

Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark are often considered as the Golden Triangle of Eastern India. Some of the notable historical sites of Odisha include Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Sun Temple of Konark, Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Dhaulagiri, Barabati Fort, Rock Edict of Jaugada and more. 

Utkal Divas [UPSC Notes]:-Download PDF Here

The above details about Utkal Divas will help candidates prepare for UPSC 2022.