Bhubaneswar Prepares for 77th Foundation Day with Cultural Events and Public Celebrations

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has outlined plans to mark Bhubaneswar’s 77th Foundation Day with a series of cultural and civic events on April 13 and 14. The preparations were reviewed in a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg.

Bhubaneswar, declared the capital of Odisha on April 13, 1948, has been a symbol of the state’s progress and cultural identity. This year’s celebration will coincide with the ongoing “Odia Paksha” (Odia Fortnight), which has featured daily cultural programs since April 1. The key attractions include “A Day for Odia Cuisine” on April 13 and the Odia New Year celebrations on April 14.

Unlike previous years, when the event spanned three days, this year’s festivities will be condensed into two days due to the prevailing summer heat. However, officials aim to make the event more vibrant and engaging by integrating it with Odia New Year celebrations to enhance participation.

The celebrations will commence on April 13 with floral tributes at the foundation stone plaque near the Odisha Legislative Assembly, followed by flag hoisting by the chief guest. The event’s major attraction, a civic parade, will feature college students instead of schoolchildren, considering the intense summer conditions. The parade will begin at Rabindra Mandap and proceed towards Jayadev Bhawan with student contingents and musical bands showcasing Odisha’s rich heritage.

In the evenings, Utkal Mandap will host cultural performances, including traditional Odia music, dance, and poetry recitals. Additionally, a photo exhibition capturing Bhubaneswar’s transformation over the decades will be organized.

To give the city a festive look, government buildings will be specially decorated, while statues of prominent historical figures will be cleaned and adorned with floral tributes. Traffic management measures will also be implemented to ensure a seamless experience for attendees.

Several senior government officials attended the meeting, including 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; Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Vice-Chairman N. Thirumala Naik; Khordha Collector Chanchal Rana; Culture Director Vijay Kumar Upadhyay; and Information & PR Director (Technical) Surendra Nath Parida.

The Capital Foundation Day Celebration Committee, led by Chairman Pradosh Patnaik, Vice-Chairman Pradyumna Kumar Mahanty, and General Secretary Sanat Mishra, is coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration. Senior officials from various departments, including Tourism, Culture, Works, Higher Education, School & Mass Education, and police administration, were also present to oversee logistics and security arrangements.

As Bhubaneswar gears up to celebrate 77 years of its establishment, the event aims to honor its history, recognize its progress, and inspire future growth. The Capital Foundation Day Celebration Committee has emphasized making the event inclusive and engaging for citizens while maintaining its dignity and significance.