Bhubaneswar: The capital city of Bhubaneswar on Monday marked its 78th Foundation Day with a blend of tradition and civic pride, as celebrations unfolded across the city with ceremonial events, cultural activities, and a grand parade.
Leading the celebrations, Surama Padhi attended as the chief guest, accompanied by Aparajita Sarangi, MLAs Ananta Narayan Jena and Sushant Kumar Rout, Mayor Sulochana Das, and former Minister Suresh Kumar Routray, along with senior officials.
A major attraction of the day was the torch procession that began from the revered Lingaraj Temple and culminated at PMG Square, passing through prominent city landmarks. The procession was spearheaded by Olympian Dutee Chand, symbolising the city’s dynamic spirit.
The main event, organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, featured the ceremonial garlanding of the foundation plaque near the Assembly premises. The Speaker hoisted the national flag and reviewed the civil parade, which saw participation from 51 contingents representing educational institutions and organisations.
In the competitive parade segment, BJB Autonomous College secured first place among colleges, followed by Sainik School Bhubaneswar and Rajdhani College Bhubaneswar. In the school category, DAV Public School Unit 8 led among English medium institutions, while Government High School IRC Village topped the Odia medium group. Recognition was also extended to institutions like the Odisha Skating Academy and the Central Reserve Police Force Band.
The occasion also served as a reminder of the city’s historic foundation laid on April 13, 1948, by Jawaharlal Nehru. Over the decades, Bhubaneswar has grown from a modest planned capital into a major urban centre with a population exceeding 1.5 million.
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Sulochana Das emphasised the need to balance development with preservation of heritage, while Speaker Surama Padhi urged citizens to actively contribute to the city’s progress.
As part of the celebrations, a special exhibition highlighting the city’s architectural evolution and cultural heritage was inaugurated at Jaydev Bhavan. The exhibition will remain open to the public for two days, offering a glimpse into Bhubaneswar’s journey through time.
