Lucknow, April 1, 2026: The Lucknow Odia Samaj, a prominent social and cultural organization in Uttar Pradesh, celebrated Odisha Day (Utkal Diwas) with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour at the Visweshwariya Auditorium, Lucknow. The event commemorated the historic formation of Odisha as a separate state and showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region.
This year’s celebration was dedicated to the birth centenary of the legendary Odissi maestro Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, a Padma Bhushan awardee and one of the foremost exponents of Odissi dance. The programme paid rich tribute to his unparalleled contribution in reviving and popularizing Odissi dance at both national and international levels.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Sri Gopabandhu Patnaik, President of the Samaj, who highlighted the significance of Utkal Diwas, the cultural richness of Odisha, and the objectives of the celebration. Sri S. N. Sabat, Retd. IPS and Chairman, UP Subordinate Services Commission, Government of Uttar Pradesh, addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of the Samaj in preserving and promoting Odia culture in Lucknow.
The distinguished Chief Guest, Dr. Sarojini Sahoo, an eminent writer and educationist, graced the occasion. A celebrated voice in feminist literature, she is a recipient of prestigious honours including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Sarala Puraskar. Her literary works, translated into several languages such as Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, and Sinhalese, have significantly contributed to advancing feminist consciousness and discourse in Odia literature.
On this occasion, Dr. Sarojini Sahoo was conferred with the Lucknow Odia Sahitya Samman 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to literature. The citation was read by Professor Sukant Chaudhary, Vice President of the Samaj. In her address, Dr. Sahoo reflected on the evolution of feminist writing in Odisha and emphasized its role in challenging patriarchal norms, breaking the “glass ceiling,” and fostering progressive social thought.
The annual souvenir Nirmalya was formally released by the dignitaries. Professor D. R. Sahu, Secretary of the Lucknow Odisha Samaj, presented the annual report, outlining the activities and achievements of the organization over the past year, and also proposed the formal vote of thanks.
The celebration featured a vibrant cultural evening, showcasing classical Odissi dance performances by renowned artists Dr. Manojan Pradhan and Maniti Pradhan along with their troupe. The performers, empanelled with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, enthralled the audience with their graceful and expressive presentations, reflecting the depth and elegance of the classical dance tradition.
Adding to the festive spirit, an Odisha Food Festival was organized, offering a variety of authentic Odia cuisines and providing attendees with a rich culinary experience of the state’s traditions.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the Odia community, academicians, students, and cultural enthusiasts in Lucknow.
