Bhubaneswar: Today is the 77th Foundation Day of Odisha’s capital city Bhubaneswar. Though the city and its temples are much older, on this day in 1948 the foundation for the modern capital was laid.
Some historical facts about Odisha’s modern capital:
* India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone of Bhubaneswar on April 13, 1948.
* The masterplan of Bhubaneswar was designed by German architect Otto Königsberger in 1948 for a population of 40,000. It is among the first four planned cities of India. Today, it is home to more than 14 lakh people.
* Bhubaneswar has a 3,000-year-old history, beginning from Mahamegha-Bahana Chedi dynasty with Sisupalgarh as its capital.
* The name Bhubaneswar was derived from Tribhubaneswar, which means the Lord (Eswar) of the Three Worlds (Tribhuvan), referring to Shiva.
* Bhubaneswar is also known as Toshali, Kalinga Nagari, Ekamra Kanan, Ekamra Kshetra and Mandira Malini Nagari, reflecting its cultural and historical significance.
* Bhubaneswar was once home to nearly 700 temples. Even today, hundreds of these ancient temples are still standing.
* The Kalinga War, one of the deadliest in Indian history, took place on the Dhauli hills along the banks of the Daya River. According to his 13th Major Rock Edict, he felt deep sorrow and regret for the slaughter, death, and captivity that occurred during the conquest of Kalinga. He then built Dhauli Stupa to signify his intention to surrender to Buddhism and crave for peace.
* In 1948, just a year after India gained independence, Bhubaneswar replaced Cuttack as the capital of Odisha.
THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION
This year’s festivities will be condensed into two days due to the summer heat. It will be integrated it with Odia New Year celebrations. A civic parade, traditionally a highlight, will see participation from college students instead of schoolchildren as a precaution against the heatwave.
April 13 is dedicated to ‘Odia Food Day’ as part of Odia Pakhya being observed by the department of Odia language, literature and culture from April 1 to 14.
The celebrations will begin with floral tributes at the foundation stone plaque near the Odisha Legislative Assembly, followed by flag-hoisting by the chief guest. A parade featuring college student contingents and bands will proceed from Rabindra Mandap to Jayadev Bhawan. Cultural programmes will be held at Utkal Mandap on the evenings of April 13 and 14.
A photo exhibition, showcasing Bhubaneswar’s heritage, traffic management measures, is being organised at Jayadev Bhawan. Government buildings have been decorated. Statues of eminent personalities across the city have been cleaned and adorned with garlands.
