Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The 77th Foundation Day of Bhubaneswar will be celebrated on April 13 and 14 with a number of events that the Odisha government has approved. To coordinate the preparations, a high-level meeting was conducted today at Lok Seva Bhavan, presided over by Development Commissioner-turned-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg. This year marks Bhubaneswar’s 77th anniversary as the capital of Odisha, having been established on April 13, 1948. The festivities will take place during the current “Odia Paksha” (Odia Fortnight), which runs from April 1 to April 14 and includes daily cultural events. The festivals of “Odia New Year” on April 14 and “A Day for Odia Cuisine” on April 13 are important occasions.
This year’s celebrations will be shortened to two days because of the summer heat, in contrast to prior years when the Foundation Day was celebrated across three days. But by incorporating it with Odia New Year festivities, organizers want to liven up the occasion. As a preventative measure against the heat, college students will participate in a municipal procession, which is customarily a highlight.
On April 13, the festivities will start with flower tributes at the foundation stone plaque next to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The main guest will then raise the flag. From Rabindra Mandap to Jayadev Bhawan, a procession with bands and contingents of college students will take place. On both evenings, Utkal Mandap will host cultural events.
Authorities have also planned a photo exhibition showcasing Bhubaneswar’s heritage, traffic management measures, and special decorations for government buildings. Statues of eminent personalities across the city will be cleaned and adorned with garlands.
The meeting was attended by 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; Information & PR Director (Technical) Surendra Nath Parida; Capital Foundation Day Celebration Committee Chairman & senior journalist Pradosh Patnaik Vice-Chairman Pradyumna Kumar Mahanty, and General Secretary Sanat Mishra.
