Bhubaneswar, Ap 1: April 1st, 1936 celebrates the formation of Orissa as the state separated from the Bengal Presidency and is thus a significant event in Indian history.
During 1936 the state was incorporated into a separate province, prior to India gaining independence on August 15th, 1947.
Utkal Divas is celebrated to honor and remember the leaders who made sacrifices for the state to separate and gain distinction.
Odisha was merged with Bengal Presidency during the rule of British Raj, which consisted of modern day’s West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. While the state did possess Odia speakers, there was a lack of a unified administration for these regions, thus leading people to demand a separate state.
The establishment of Odisha on April 1st, in 1936 marked the beginning of a self governing era based on people’s linguistic and cultural identities.
The incredible state’s history goes back to Kalinga which was governed by Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC. Through King Kharavela, Kalinga is said to have gained independence and rose to fame as a hub for politics, architecture and arts. In 1567, the Mughals defeated Mukunda Deva, the last Hindu king of the state which led to British colonization and division of the state.
With the formation of Utkala Sammilani, the Odisha's distinct statehood movement started gaining popularity.
