Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has prepared an elaborate plan to celebrate the 77th Foundation Day of Bhubaneswar in a grand wat with a series of events on April 13 and 14.
A meeting chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg was held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday to coordinate the preparations, an official statement said.
Established on April 13, 1948, Bhubaneswar will complete 77 years as Odisha’s capital this year. The celebrations will coincide with the ongoing “Odia Paksha” (Odia Fortnight), which features daily cultural programs from April 1 to 14. Key events include “A Day for Odia Cuisine” on April 13 and “Odia New Year” celebrations on April 14.
Unlike previous years, when the Foundation Day was observed for three days, this year’s festivities will be condensed into two days due to the summer heat. However, officials aim to make the event more vibrant by integrating it with Odia New Year celebrations. A civic parade, traditionally a highlight, will see participation from college students instead of schoolchildren this year as a precaution against the heatwave.
The celebrations will begin on April 13 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 programs will be held at Utkal Mandap on both evenings.
Authorities have also planned a photo exhibition showcasing Bhubaneswar’s heritage, traffic management measures, and special decorations for government buildings. Statues of eminent personalities across the city will be cleaned and adorned with garlands.
The meeting was attended among others by Information & PR Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh; Works Department Principal Secretary Vir Vikram Yadav; Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department Principal Secretary Sanjiv Kumar Mishra; Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh; and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Vice-Chairman N. Thirumala Naik.
