Correct Answer : April 1st
Utkal Divas or Utakala Dibasha is celebrated on April 1st every year to remember the formation of the Odisha state after a struggle to be recognised as an independent state. Under the British rule, Odisha was part of the Bengal presidency, which consisted of the present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.
The state celebrates the day with a restricted holiday. The day is also known as Odisha Foundation day and Vishuva Milan.
Why is Odisha Day important for the people of Odisha :
The region became part of Kalinga after it was conquered by Magadha King Ashoka in 261 BC to expand his Mauryan rule. After Mauryan rule, King Kharavela’s rule began in Odisha. Kharavela managed to avenge the Mauryan invasion by defeating Magadh. Historians credit Kharavela for laying the foundation for Odisha’s fame as a land of art, architecture and sculpture. He also managed to establish a powerful political state.
Gajapati Mukunda Deva was the last Hindu king of Odisha. He was defeated by the Mughals in
1576. A few hundred years later, the British took over and divided the state into different parts. The northern and western districts of the state became part of what was then called Bengal presidency..
Source : Business Standard
