Lucknow: Members of Odia Samaj in the city celebrated Utkal Diwas/Odisha Diwas at the Visvesvaraya auditorium of PWD office, with a cultural programme on on Wednesday evening. Utkal Diwas commemorates formation of Odisha as a separate province on Apr 1, 1936.The event opened with tributes to legendary Odissi dancer Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, as this year’s celebration was dedicated to his birth centenary. Odia Samaj city president Gopabandhu Pattanaik recalled Mahapatra’s contribution to Indian classical dance and his role in taking Odissi to the global stage. Chief guest, writer and educationist Sarojini Sahoo was conferred Lucknow Odia Sahitya Samman 2026 for her contribution to literature. “Utkal is the old name for Odisha, a land where there is ‘utkrisht’ (extraordinary) art in temples, language, culinary traditions, literature, and music,” she said.Cultural segment featured Odissi dancer Manoranjan Pradhan, who performed with Minati Pradhan and their troupe. Their presentation of ‘Ardhanadeshwara’ highlighted the grace, rhythm and storytelling traditions of Odissi and drew applause from the audience. Kathak and Sambalpuri dance performances were also staged.Members said the celebration was aimed at strengthening cultural ties within the community and passing on traditions to the younger generation. Suresh Mohanty and Bindiya Mohanty said such gatherings offered an opportunity to enjoy traditional music and food together.
