Bhubaneswar: Aiming to reconnect people with the state’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, the 14-day Odia Pakhya — from Utkal Divas on April 1 to Odia New Year — will be a grand celebration this year, culture minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced on Monday.The festival, which was added to the state’s cultural calendar last year, will be a collective celebration of the state’s language, literature, food, handloom and lifestyle, the minister added.The celebration will begin with Utkal Divas, followed by ‘Khadi Chuan’ on April 2 to mark school enrolment of young children, and ‘Ama Poshak Ama Parichaya Day’ on April 3 to promote traditional attire.The minister said that an awareness rally, ‘Odia Nameplate Campaign’ will be held on April 4 to encourage the use of the vernacular on signboards, while ‘Heritage Runs’ will be held the next day near historical sites to promote fitness and heritage awareness.A statewide cleanliness drive at temples and public places, cultural and social initiatives such as Shishu Katha Divas, blood donation drives and book-buying campaign will follow.The festival will conclude on April 14 with celebrations of the Odia New Year. A dedicated website and mobile app have been launched to encourage public participation through online activities and digital engagement, Suraj said.
