‘Utkal Divas’ is celebrated April 1 every year in Tripura to observe the formation of Odisha state from the combined Bengal-Bihar-Orissa province.
Colourful traditional dances, performance of songs and other function marked the celebration on Monday to commemorate the 84th ‘Utkal Divas’ in Tripura.
It was on this day in 1936, Odisha was separated from the combined state to become a separate state lounging upon the Oriya linguistic and cultural phenomenon.
Sponsored by the ONGC Tripura Asset, the Odia Samaj Tripura, organized the Utkal Divas at the Muktadhara auditorium.
Governor of Tripura Prof Kaptan Singh Solanki along with vice chancellor of Tripura University Prof V L Dharurkar, ONGV Tripura Asset Manager G K Singha Roy and other dignitaries inaugurated the colorful event.
The Governor appreciated ONGC for supporting and enhancing the intercultural relations of the State.
A souvenir titled ‘Chakadola’ was released by the dignitaries followed by a colorful cultural function offered by Odissi artistes from Odisha as well as Tripura.
Back in 2011, the festival started in Tripura to disseminate the rich and traditional art, culture, literature of Odisha to the other parts of the country and is expected to bridge the people of different regions.
The added attraction in the festival was the internationally acclaimed dances of Orissa like Sambalpuri folk dance and Odissy dance.
The hall was tightly packed with audience and both the young and aged people enjoyed the dances and the rhythm of the music.
Most of the viewers expressed that they had enjoyed this unique programme and said that more such functions should take place to unite the people of various regions through cultural exchanges.
Meantime, the local artists also viewed that they have enjoyed presenting their show as well as learned many new things.