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Odisha Celebrates New Year & Culture with Governor-Minister Meet

Odisha's Minister for Higher Education, Suryabanshi Suraj, met with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on the occasion of the Odia New Year, Pana Sankranti. The Governor highlighted prayers for prosperity and the cultural festival 'Odia Pakhya', organized to promote Odia art forms and tribal culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended their greetings for the new year and various spring festivals across India. Odia Pakhya is a statewide celebration from April 1 to 14, marking Odisha's heritage.

Key Points: Odisha New Year: Minister Meets Governor, Promotes Odia Pakhya

  • Odia New Year & Pana Sankranti celebrated
  • Fortnight-long Odia Pakhya festival showcased
  • PM Modi & President Murmu extended wishes
  • Focus on promoting tribal art and Odia identity
2 min read

Odisha Minister Suryabanshi Suraj meets Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati

Odisha Minister Suryabanshi Suraj meets Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Odia New Year, highlighting cultural festival Odia Pakhya and PM Modi's greetings.

"We pray to Lord Jagannath for the well-being of all Odia people, as well as all Indians - Hari Babu Kambhampati"

Bhubaneshwar, April 15

Odisha's Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth, Suryabanshi Suraj, meets with Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on the occasion of Odia New Year.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Minister Kambhampati said, "Today is the Odia New Year. Along with this, Pana Sankranti is also celebrated here. It also marks Hanuman Jayanti, Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary, and Maha Bishuba Sankranti."

"We pray to Lord Jagannath for the well-being of all Odia people, as well as all Indians, and hope that they spend the year with great prosperity," he added.

Speaking about cultural promotion, he said, "To introduce all our Odia art forms to the current generation, we celebrate from Odisha Day to the New Year. Our tribal communities have rich art and culture, and to promote it, under the inspiration of the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister, and to take the Odia identity forward, 'Odia Pakhya' was organised."

Odia Pakhya is a fortnight-long, statewide cultural festival celebrated in Odisha. It is designed to showcase the state's rich culture, heritage, language, and traditions. The celebration runs annually from April 1 to April 14, beginning with Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) and culminating in Maha Vishuba Sankranti (Odia New Year).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his heartfelt wishes on the occasion with a post on X, saying, "Happy Vishu!"

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings on the occasions of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bishub, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Vaishakhadi, and Puthandu.

Her post on X read: "On the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bishub, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Vaishakhadi, and Puthandu, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad. These festivals, celebrated in various parts of India, are vibrant expressions of our diverse cultural heritage. They promote unity, harmony, and brotherhood. As symbols of social harmony, they generate new energy and enthusiasm in our lives. Through these festivals, we honour the hard work of our 'Annadata' farmers and express our gratitude towards them. May these festivals bring prosperity and peace to everyone's life."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's heartening to see the President and PM acknowledging all the regional new years. India's true strength is in this diversity. From Vishu in the south to Baisakhi in the north, we celebrate as one nation. Happy new year to everyone celebrating!
A
Aman W
Good to see the focus on tribal art and culture. Odisha's tribal communities have such unique traditions that often don't get enough spotlight. Hope the 'Odia Pakhya' festival is accessible to people in remote areas too, not just in cities.
S
Sarah B
As someone living abroad, President Murmu's message really resonated. It's beautiful how these festivals connect us to home. The mention of farmers as 'Annadata' is so important. Celebrations should always remember those who feed the nation.
K
Karthik V
While the cultural promotion is excellent, I hope such meetings also translate into concrete action for higher education and sports infrastructure in Odisha. The minister holds that portfolio too. The youth need opportunities, not just festivals.
M
Meera T
So many festivals on one day! Hanuman Jayanti, Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti, and Odia New Year. It's a beautiful confluence of faith, social justice, and cultural renewal. Truly represents the spirit of India. Best wishes to all! 🎉

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