Odisha to Celebrate ‘Odia Pakhya’ from April 1 to 14 with Statewide Cultural Events
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government will celebrate Odia Pakhya, a 14-day cultural festival, from April 1 to April 14 across the state, marking the period from Odisha Day to the Odia New Year. The initiative aims to reconnect people with the state’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, language, and lifestyle.
The announcement was made by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj during a press conference in Bhubaneswar. He said the festival, which was first introduced in 2025, will be observed with greater grandeur this year, with participation from multiple departments and citizens across the state. Emphasising its importance, the Minister stated that Odia Pakhya is not just a government programme but a collective celebration of Odia identity, including language, literature, food, attire, and traditions.
The celebrations will begin on April 1 with the observance of Odisha Divas. Over the following days, a series of thematic events will be organised, including Khadi Chuan Day for young students, a day promoting traditional attire, and an awareness campaign encouraging the use of Odia language on signboards. Activities such as a heritage run near historical sites, cleanliness drives at temples and public places, storytelling sessions for children, and a statewide blood donation drive are also planned.
The festival will also focus on promoting reading habits through a book-buying campaign, supporting folk arts and artists, and encouraging creativity among children and youth through special programmes. Initiatives highlighting eminent personalities of Odisha and celebrating traditional cuisine will further add to the cultural significance of the event. The 14-day celebration will conclude on April 14 with the grand observance of the Odia New Year.
To enhance public participation, the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has launched a dedicated website and mobile app. Citizens can actively engage by uploading cultural content such as selfies and reels, participating in online quiz competitions, and downloading digital certificates.
The Minister urged citizens, institutions, and youth organisations to take part enthusiastically in the celebrations, calling it an opportunity to reconnect with roots and proudly showcase Odisha’s cultural identity.
