Utkal Diwas Celebrated in Vadodara! Check what is ‘Utkal Diwas’?

Utkalika Orissa Seva Trust, Baroda will celebrate the 88th Utkal Divas (Foundation Day of Odisha) on April 16th, 2023, showcasing different shades of Odia culture. The event will be attended by around 350 members along with their families and children residing in and outside Vadodara city. The Trust aims to connect people from Odisha working in and around Baroda in various government and private sectors, who call it their Karma Bhumi.

The celebration was a cultural extravaganza with special attractions such as drama, dance, and comedy being performed by the in-house artists of Utkalika family members in Vadodara. The event spread a message of socio-cultural ties between the states of Odisha and Gujarat.

Utkal Divas marks the formation of the state of Odisha on April 1st, 1936, after a long struggle for separate statehood. The day is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by people of Odisha living around the world.

The celebration in Vadodara will be graced by Chief Guest Rajendra Dholakia, Honourable Cabinet Minister (Planning and Convergence), Government of Odisha, and Guests of Honour, including Banchhanidhi Pani, IAS (Commissioner), Priya Ranjan Mishra (Group General Manager-Geology (ONGC-Vadodara)), Dolly Vimal Patel (President-Vishva Mangalya Sabha-Vadodara), Minal Perti (Co-Founder of Joraver Estate), and other dignitaries.

The celebration is an opportunity for people from Odisha living in Vadodara to reconnect with their roots, celebrate their culture, and strengthen their bonds with fellow Odias.

How was the word ‘Utkal’ derived?

“Utkal” is a term that has been used historically to refer to the state of Odisha (formerly known as Orissa) in eastern India. The word “Utkal” is derived from the Sanskrit term “Utkalaya,” which means “the land of the sunrise.”

The term “Utkal” has been used to describe the region for centuries, dating back to ancient times. In fact, the Kalinga War, which was fought in the region around the 3rd century BCE, is often referred to as the “Utkal War” in some historical texts.

After India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, there was a movement among the people of Odisha to have their state recognized as a separate entity. This movement eventually led to the formation of the state of Odisha on April 1st, 1936, which is celebrated as “Utkal Divas” or “Odisha Day” every year.

Today, the term “Utkal” is still used to describe the state of Odisha and is a source of pride for many Odias. The word has become synonymous with the rich culture and heritage of the region, and is often used in the names of organizations and institutions that promote Odia culture and traditions.