| Event | Utkal Divas (Odisha Day or Vishuva Milan) |
| Date | April 1 |
| Significance | Commemorates the formation of the state of Odisha in 1936, the first Indian state formed on a linguistic basis. |
| Historical Context | Odia-speaking people sought a distinct political and cultural identity separate from the Bengal Presidency. |
| Ancient Odisha | Known as Kalinga, famous for the Kalinga War (261 BCE) and King Kharavela's rule. |
| Medieval & Colonial Era | Last Hindu ruler: Gajapati Mukunda Deva; ruled by Mughals, Marathas, and British. Integrated into Bengal Presidency in 1803. |
| Struggle for Statehood | Leaders: Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandita Nilakantha Das. Organizations: Utkal Sabha (1882), Utkal Sammilani (1903). Supported by Indian National Congress. |
| Formation of Odisha | Merged regions from Bihar and Orissa Province (42% land, 66% population), Madras Province (53% land, 31.7% population), and Central Provinces (5% land, 2.3% population). Initial capital: Cuttack. |
| First Governor | John Austin Hubback |
| Lesser-Known Facts | Originally called Utkala; renamed from Orissa to Odisha in 2011. Home to Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). |
| Celebrations | Restricted holiday; cultural programs, parades, sand art by Sudarshan Pattnaik. Greetings from Prime Minister and other leaders. |
| Current Leadership | Governor: Hari Babu Kambhapati; CM: Mohan Charan Majhi |
| Capital | Bhubaneswar |
| Heritage Sites | Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Rajarani Temple |
| Rivers | Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Subarnarekha, Rushikulya |
| National Parks | Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park |
| Festivals | Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, Konark Festival |
| Dance Forms | Odissi, Chhau, Ghumura |
| Tribes | Santals, Juang, Bonda, Kondh |
| Wildlife Sanctuaries | Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Major Cities | Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur |
