April 1st, when majority of people know it as “April Fool Day” for us Odias, it’s a day of proud and honour. It’s celebrated as UTKALA DIWASA, the day to commemorate the formation of the state as a separate unit on 1 April 1936.
April 1st – Utkala Diwasa….Today is Utkala Dibasa the foundation day of Odisha. It was founded on 1st April 1936, the 1st state to be founded on the basis of language. Going by the History, The great State of Kalinga had always been a land of valour and courage. It’s well engraved in the pages of History how the Great Maurya Emperor Ashoka had to fight this land till its last mighty. The Kaling War is said to be one of the bloodiest and largest battles in Indian History. It had prompted Emperor Askoka to adopt Buddhism – a non violence way of life – and stop the empire building and military conquest. It’s often said that the spirit and nerve of Kalinga fighters had a great impact on Emperor Ashoka’s conscience. He became DHAMASHOKA from being known as CHANDASHOKA.
However, in spite of having a great political history and cultural record, Odisha lost its complete political identity in 1568 with the demise of King Mukunda Dev, the last Hindu King. Nevertheless, efforts for the centuries resulted to the formation of a separate state under British rule on the basis of the language on 1 April 1936.
Utkala Dibasa is celebrated in Odisha as well as outside of its land by Odia communities. Cultural programs, seminars, competition held during its celebrations.
About Odisha…..
With its long coastline and great reservoir of natural resources, Odisha has some lovely virgin beaches, unspoiled places, untouched cultures and cuisines. It might be tagged as a lagged behind State but modernity has yet not been able to invade few of its places that are rich in bio-diversities and cultural assortment. A truly affluent land of flora and fauna, vibrant in terms of handicraft and handlooms and a state with divine serenity and peacefulness, I am Proud that I am born to this Magic Land. I m Proud To Be An Odia, Always!!
Here is a poem of mine that would give you a brief idea about My Land, ODISHA
A Saga Of Courage and Valour is what My Odisha Is!!!
A Saga of Courage and Valour,
Odisha is Just Not a Piece of Land
In terms of Rich Culture and Tradition
It’s no less than that of a Magic Wand!!
The Mighty Bay of Bengal as its Coastline
As a Territory of Eastern Glory, it shines
Its History is dotted with vivid courage & guts
Since its establishment in 1st April 1936
A Land Of Biodiversity Is what it is…
With loads of dense forests & marsh mangroves
A Land Of Majestic Fauna it is too
With elephant Sanctuary, dolphins, sea turtles & Tiger reserve
The Marvel of Konark Temple will stun you
Odisha is Unique in terms of its Cuisine and Culture
And the captivating Patta chitras, silver filigree
And applique artwork will live you amazed and Startled
The blessings of Lively Lord Jagannath
Fall on it always from His Holy Shrine
The tales of love nerve, sacrifice and peace
Is what echoes in its every grain of sand
This is My Post for The #AToZChallenge 2020 by @blogchatter in the Month of April 2020
Image Sources – Twitter #UtkalaDibass , Whatsapp and my Vivo 17 Mobile!!! My THEME….CLICK HERE
It’s also posted in My other Blog CLICK HERE
Great one!
Thank You Bhaina
As I belong to the northern most state of india and in our school days , we read and know about Odisha for its tribal cultures,hundred of ancient intricately-carved Hindu temples and the Shree Jagannath Temple of Puri is an important Hindu temple of Lord Jagannath, who is believed as one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This temple is also one of the Char-Dham Pilgrimages of Hindus. Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath is famous and referred as Odisha festival by comman folks in other parts of India including my state and of course the famous classic13th century sun temple ,which depicts the classic Odisha style of Architecture.
Historically the Kaling war, who prompted Emperor Askoka to adopt Buddhism – a non violence way of life is prominently mentioned in our text books.
But i was not aware about the UTKAL DIWASA, the day to commemorate the formation of the state as a separate unit on 1 April 1936.It was not mentioned in our school books.
So this article is very informative and well written in terms of its contents including nice photos.
The small poem beautifully narrates the every colour of Odisha.
Good luck.
Thank you sooo much Sir. You Really added to my post and made it more enriching. Regards
Nice round up about many facets of Odisha.
Thank You 🙂
Very enlightening 😊 loved reading and knowing about such an important day in the lovely state of Odisha and visiting the state through your writing.
Very well written poem to describe our Odisha…. Wish you also a very Happy Utkal Divas 🙂
Thank you soo much Ira. glad that u liked it. Thanks soo much for your visit. 🙂