Bhubaneswar: The government of Odisha 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 announcement was made by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj during a press conference in Bhubaneswar. He said the festival, introduced in 2025, will be observed on a greater scale and with more participation this year.
The minister said Odia Pakhya aims to reconnect people with Odisha’s cultural heritage and traditions. He added that the initiative seeks to promote the Odia language, literature, food, attire, and lifestyle through collective participation.
The celebrations will begin on April 1 with Odisha Divas, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department.
On April 2, Khadi Chuan Day will be observed for children enrolling in pre-primary and Class I. April 3 will mark Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya Day to promote traditional attire.
A padayatra under the Odia Nameplate Campaign will be organised on April 4 to encourage the use of the Odia language in signboards.
A Heritage Run will take place on April 5 near historical sites to promote heritage awareness and the Fit India–Fit Odisha initiative.
A statewide cleanliness drive will be conducted on April 6 across temples and public places.
Shishu Katha Divas will be observed on April 7 to promote storytelling and folk traditions among children, followed by a blood donation drive on April 8.
On April 9, the Aasa Bahitie Kiniba Abhiyan will encourage reading habits among youth. Lokakala Paain Dinatie will be held on April 10 to promote folk arts and honour artists.
An Amrutapidhi Samaroh will be organised on April 11 to foster creativity among children and youth. The Bandaneeya Baraputra programme will be conducted on April 12 to highlight the lives of eminent personalities of Odisha.
Ama Ruchi, Ama Khadya Divas will be celebrated on April 13 to promote traditional cuisine.
The festival will conclude on April 14 with the celebration of the Odia New Year across the State.
