Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Monday announced a grand 14-day cultural extravaganza, Odia Pakhya, to be celebrated across the state from April 1 to April 14.
The festival will begin on Uktala Dibasa (Odisha Day) and culminate on the Odia New Year, aiming to strengthen the bond between the people and the state’s rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions.
Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj made the announcement during a press conference in Bhubaneswar. He noted that the festival, which was introduced last year in 2025, will be observed on a much larger scale this year with widespread participation. “Odia Pakhya is not just a government initiative but a people’s movement to celebrate everything that defines Odia identity — our language, literature, cuisine, traditional attire, customs, and lifestyle,” the Minister said.
Key Events
The festival will kick off on April 1 with Utkala Dibasa celebrations, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department.
On April 2, the School and Mass Education Department will observe “Khadi Chuan Day” to encourage early enrolment of children in pre-primary and Class I.
April 3 has been designated as “Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya Day” by the Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department to promote the wearing of traditional Odia attire.
A major “Odia Nameplate Campaign” padayatra will be held on April 4 by the Labour Department to encourage the use of the Odia language on signboards and nameplates.
On April 5, a “Heritage Run” will take place near historical sites across Odisha, jointly organised by the Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education departments, blending fitness with cultural awareness under the Fit India–Fit Odisha initiative.
A statewide “Cleanliness Drive” at temples and public places is scheduled for April 6, led by the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water and Housing & Urban Development departments.
April 7 will see “Shishu Katha Divas”, focusing on storytelling and folk tales for children, under the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department.
A “Blood Donation Drive” will be organised on April 8 by the Health & Family Welfare and Higher Education departments.
On April 9, the “Aasa Bahitie Kiniba Abhiyan” (Let’s Buy a Book Campaign) will promote reading habits among the youth.
April 10 will be dedicated to “Lokakala Paain Dinatie”, honouring folk artists and promoting traditional performing arts.
An “Amrutapidhi Samaroh” creative festival for children, adolescents, and youth is planned for April 11.
April 12 will feature the “Bandaneeya Baraputra” programme, which aims to familiarise the younger generation with the lives and ideals of Odisha’s great personalities.
“Ama Ruchi Ama Khadya Divas”, celebrating traditional Odia cuisine and local foods, will be observed on April 13.
The celebrations will conclude on April 14 with grand Odia New Year events across the state.
To ensure public participation, the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has launched a dedicated website, Odiapakhya.com, along with a mobile app. Citizens can upload selfies, reels and content related to Odia culture, as well as participate in online quiz competitions and download digital certificates.
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj called upon all citizens, educational institutions, and youth organisations to actively join the celebrations. “This is the time to reconnect with our roots and proudly showcase our unique identity. Let us come together and celebrate our language and culture with pride,” he urged.
