After a three-century struggle, Odisha became an independent province on April 1, 1936. The state is commemorating its 88th foundation day this year. The province of Orissa gained independence from Bengal and Bihar during British rule. This indicated a change in the state's course.

Odisha Day, also known as Utkal Divas and Utkala Dibasa, is celebrated on April 1st of each year to honor the fight for the state that was formerly a part of Ashok's Kalinga empire to have its own political identity. Subsequently, before the Mughals came and took control of Jainism, Kharavela was revered as a victor and defender of the religion.

Odisha is a state in eastern India. Utkala Diwas, sometimes called Odisha Diwas, is the day the state was founded. The state commemorates April 1st as its founding day each year. Odisha was proclaimed a separate province on this day after being split from Bihar.

The state ranks eighth in terms of area and eleventh in terms of population. According to World Bank statistics, Odisha state possesses a significant mineral endowment that includes 90% of India's chromite deposits and 30% of the country's iron ore.

Why do the people of Odisha celebrate Odisha Day?

After Ashoka, King of Magadha, invaded the area in 261 BC to extend his Mauryan dominion, it became a part of Kalinga. In Odisha, King Kharavela took over after the Mauryan era. By destroying Magadh, Kharavela was able to exact revenge on the Mauryan invasion. Historians believe that Kharavela laid the groundwork for Odisha's reputation as a center of sculpture, architecture, and art. He was also successful in creating a strong political state.
 
The final Hindu king of Odisha was Gajapati Mukunda Deva. The Mughals vanquished him in 1576. After a few centuries, the state was split up into many regions by the British. The state's western and northern regions were incorporated into the so-called Bengal presidency at the time.

The state's fight for independence:
On April 1, 1936, the people's persistent battle paid off as the new province of Odisha was established. The first governor of the state was Sir John Hubbak.
 
Among the well-known leaders of the movement are Madhusudan Das, Utkala Mani, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandita Nilakantha Das, Utkala Gouraba, and several more.
Originally known as Orissa, the state was renamed Odisha in March 2011 when the Lok Sabha approved the Orissa Bill and the Constitution Bill (113th Amendment).