Bhubaneswar: The government will celebrate Odia Pakhya, a 14-day cultural festival, from April 1 to 14 across the state, marking a vibrant period from Odisha Day to the Odia New Year. The initiative aims to reconnect people with Odisha's rich cultural heritage and traditions.

The announcement was made by Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj during a press conference in Bhubaneswar. He stated that the festival, first introduced in 2025, will be celebrated with greater grandeur this year across the state.

Highlighting the significance of the festival, the Minister said Odia Pakhya is not merely a government programme but a collective effort to celebrate Odia language, literature, food, traditions, attire and lifestyle.

Key events during Odia Pakhya

The celebrations will commence on April 1 with the observance of ‘Odisha Divas’, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department.

On April 2, ‘Khadi Chuan Day’ will be celebrated by the School and Mass Education Department for children enrolling in pre-primary and Class I.

April 3 will be observed as ‘Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya Day’, promoting traditional attire, under the Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.

On April 4, a padayatra (awareness march) titled ‘Odia Nameplate Campaign’ will be organised by Odisha Labour Department to encourage the use of Odia language in signboards.

A ‘Heritage Run’ will be conducted on April 5 near historical sites across the state by the Sports & Youth Services and Higher Education Department to promote heritage awareness and the Fit India–Fit Odisha initiative.

On April 6, a ‘Cleanliness Drive’ will be organised across temples and public places, led by Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water and Housing & Urban Development Department.

On April 7, ‘Shishu Katha Divas’ will be celebrated by Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department to promote storytelling and folk tales among children.

A ‘Blood Donation Drive’ will be organised on April 8 by the Health & Family Welfare and Higher Education Department.

On April 9, ‘Aasa Bahitie Kiniba Abhiyan’ (Let’s Buy a Book Campaign) will be held by the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department to encourage reading habits among youth.

On April 10, ‘Lokakala Paain Dinatie’, will be organized by Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department to promote folk arts and honouring artists.

An ‘Amrutapidhi Samaroh’ will be organized on April 11 by School and Mass Education, Higher Education and Skill Development and Technical Education Department to foster creativity among children, adolescents and youth.

On April 12, ‘Bandaneeya Baraputra’ programme will be conducted by Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department to educate the younger generation about the ideals and lives of eminent personalities (Baraputra) of Odisha.

On April 13, ‘Ama Ruchi Ama Khadya Divas’ will be organised by the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Housing and Urban Development and Tourism Department to promote our traditional and local cuisine.

The celebrations will conclude on April 14 with the grand observance of the Odia New Year across the state.

To ensure public participation, the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department has launched a dedicated website, Odiapakhya.com, along with a mobile app. Citizens can upload selfies, reels and content related to Odia culture, as well as participate in online quiz competitions and download digital certificates.

The minister urged all citizens, institutions, and youth organisations to actively participate in Odia Pakhya 2026. “This is the time to reconnect with our roots and proudly showcase our identity. Let us come together and celebrate our language and culture with pride,” Minister added.