Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 2:

Varanaseya Utkal Samaj (VUS) celebrated 82nd Utkal Dibasa at the premises of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) yesterday.

The auspicious day was celebrated at Pt. Omkarnath Thakur Auditorium to mark the formation of Odisha as separate statehood.

Inaugurating the programme chaired by VUS president Tribhuban Mohan Mohapatra, former Gorakhpur University vice chancellor BM Shukla said spoke about the glory of Odisha.

BHU Senior Consultant K.P. Upadhayay graced the occasion as the guest of honour.

VUS General Secretary Amiya Kumar Samal described the present and future activities of VUS.

The programme commenced with Malyarpan to Lord Jagannath and Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya with the BHU Kulgeet and state anthem ‘Bande Utkala Janani’.

A beautiful rangoli on Lord Jagannath prepared by Madhusmita Samal and Biswabara Sahu drew attention of Odia people residing in Varanasi. The audience also enjoyed Shadow Puppet Play performed by Sriram Institute of Shadow Theatre.