Promoting Odia Asmita: Government Of Odisha바카라™s Initiatives In Art, Culture, And Heritage

The Government of Odisha is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the state바카라™s rich art, culture, and heritage. Since gaining statehood in 1936 based on language, Odisha has been home to diverse cultural practices, music, dance, and rituals. Over the past ten months, the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and

Culture has taken significant steps to unify these traditions under the umbrella of Odia Asmita (Odia pride).

Previously, the creative sector in Odisha lacked organization. The government바카라™s vision now is to establish a streamlined system for all art and culture-related activities. Key initiatives include safeguarding traditional art forms, supporting artists, and reviving age-old traditions.

Key Achievements & Initiatives

1. Honouring Padma Awardees
   The state government announced a monthly honorarium of ₹30,000 for Padma awardees from Odisha, recognizing their exceptional contributions.

2. UNESCO Recognition for Bali Jatra
   In March 2025, Odisha successfully submitted Bali Jatra for UNESCO바카라™s Intangible Cultural Heritage status. A dedicated committee of historians and researchers prepared the dossier. To enhance its global appeal, ambassadors from 11 countries were invited in 2024, and artists from Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka performed at the festival.

3. Reviving Dhanu Jatra
   Preparations are underway to seek UNESCO recognition for Dhanu Jatra, one of the world바카라™s largest open-air theatrical festivals. The budget was increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, and a dedicated website was launched. For the first time, LED screens and live telecasts were introduced, and 170 artists received ₹10,000 each for their performances.

4. State Film Awards Distribution
   After a three-year delay, the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture distributed State Film Awards for 2020, 2021, and 2022 on November 17, 2024, honouring outstanding contributions to Odia cinema.

5. National School of Drama in Bhubaneswar
   A proposal to establish a branch of the National School of Drama in Bhubaneswar has been approved, paving the way for enhanced theatre education in the state.

6. Celebrating Sri Harekrushna Mahatab바카라™s 125th Birth Anniversary
   From November 21-23, 2024, the department organized statewide events, including a painting workshop and a play based on Mahatab바카라™s novel Prativa. The State Archives conducted 80 workshops on his contributions, and books from his literary works were distributed.

7. Record-Breaking State Book Fair (Dec 6-17, 2024)
   The fair featured special pavilions honoring legends like Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, Bhagabaan Birsa Munda, and Boudh Kirtiraji. With record attendance, books worth ₹1.5 crore were sold.

8. Interstate & International Cultural Exchange

   • Odisha partnered with Haryana for the International Geeta Mahotsav (Dec 5-11, 2024), showcasing Odia art forms.

   • During Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (Jan 8-10, 2025), a thematic Odisha pavilion and cultural performance impressed the Hon바카라™ble President and Prime Minister.

   • Odisha was the Partner State at Suraj Kund International Crafts Mela (Feb 7-23, 2024), highlighting its artistic legacy.

9. Rajarani Music Festival & Mukteswar Dance Festival
   Held from January 7-11, 2025, these festivals celebrated classical music and dance, reinforcing Odisha바카라™s cultural prominence.

10. Revival of Literary & Artistic Heritage

    • The Hon바카라™ble CM released a special edition of Barnabodha by Bhakta Kavi Madhusudan Rao.

    • Nine new galleries at the State Museum were inaugurated, including a Ramayana exhibition in Talpatra (palm-leaf) art.

11. ₹200 Crore Corpus Fund for Odia Asmita
    In a landmark decision (July 10, 2024), the government established a dedicated fund to preserve and promote Odia identity.

Odia Pakhya: A 14-Day Cultural Celebration

From April 1 (Odisha Day) to April 14 (Maha Vishuba Sankranti), the government celebrated Odia Pakhya with daily themes . The grand finale at MS Swaminathan Auditorium featured cultural performances and awards from the Hon바카라™ble Governor and Minister of Odia Language.

Through these initiatives, the Government of Odisha is ensuring that Odia Asmita thrives, benefiting artists, preserving heritage, and showcasing the state바카라™s cultural richness globally. The Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture remains committed to empowering grassroots artists and promoting Odisha바카라™s legacy.