Bhubaneswar, April 12: The Odisha Government is all set to celebrate the 77th Foundation Day of its capital city, Bhubaneswar, on April 13, 2025, with a grand and culturally rich programme that reflects the city’s illustrious past, vibrant present, and dynamic future. Marking the city’s official establishment as the state capital on April 13, 1948, the occasion will be commemorated with an array of events steeped in tradition, civic pride, and cultural splendour.
This year’s Foundation Day celebrations have been meticulously planned to highlight the heritage and progress of Bhubaneswar, honouring the visionaries who laid its foundation—stalwarts such as Harekrushna Mahatab, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, and Utkal Mani Gopabandhu Das. Their legacy continues to shape the identity of Odisha's capital, which today stands as a symbol of planned urban development and cultural resurgence.
The festivities will commence with a ceremonial civil parade and the hoisting of the national flag at the Odisha Legislative Assembly, setting the tone for a day filled with pride and reflection. A special tribute will be paid to 13 outstanding individuals from diverse fields who will be conferred with the prestigious Capital Glory Honour Awards, in recognition of their exemplary contributions to society.
The 77th Foundation Day holds added significance this year as it leads into the celebration of Pana Sankranti, the Odia New Year, on April 14. This serendipitous alignment of dates has lent a deeper cultural resonance to the event, infusing the atmosphere across Bhubaneswar with festive zeal and unity.
One of the major attractions will be an elaborate cultural evening at Utkal Mandap, where a diverse lineup of traditional Odissi dance, folk music, contemporary performances, and culinary stalls showcasing authentic Odia delicacies will offer a delightful experience to attendees. A spirited procession featuring college students, cultural troupes, and marching bands will weave its way from Rabindranath Mandap to Jayadev Bhawan, creating a colourful prelude to the evening's festivities.
Complementing the cultural events, a specially curated photo exhibition will trace Bhubaneswar’s journey from its conception as a planned capital city to its present-day avatar as a modern urban centre. The exhibition will also spotlight the city’s evolving civic infrastructure, traffic management reforms, and public service advancements.
To ensure the city shines in all its glory, major preparations have been made. Key landmarks are being illuminated with decorative lights, beautification efforts have been intensified, and clean-up drives are being conducted across wards. Prominent statues and memorials will be adorned with floral tributes, while the Foundation Stone near the Legislative Assembly will be ceremonially decorated, marking a poignant start to the celebration.
In view of the prevailing heatwave conditions in the state, the celebration has been streamlined into a two-day programme.
The celebration also forms an integral part of Odia Paksha, a two-week cultural initiative running from April 1 to 14, aimed at reviving and promoting the essence of Odia identity, language, arts, and cuisine. The culmination of this initiative will take place on April 14 with a special event titled ‘A Day for Odia Cuisine’, celebrating the culinary heritage of the state.
The 77th Capital Foundation Day is not merely an anniversary—it is a tribute to Bhubaneswar’s enduring spirit, its architectural vision, and the cultural ethos that makes it not just a city, but a living, thriving symbol of Odia pride.
