THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 2, 2026

Preparations for the grand celebration of the 78th Foundation Day of Bhubaneswar gathered momentum as Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan on Thursday. The Chief Secretary directed all departments and institutions to ensure the Capital Foundation Day is celebrated with enthusiasm, highlighting the city’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and remarkable development journey.

It was decided that the celebrations will be observed over two days, with events on April 13 followed by programmes on April 14 in coordination with the state government’s Odia Pakhya. Chanchal Rana, Commissioner of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, presented a comprehensive outline of the programmes, aimed at making the occasion memorable for citizens while showcasing the city’s transformation over the decades.

On the morning of April 13, floral tributes will be offered at the foundation stone plaque at PMG Square, followed by hoisting of the national flag by the chief guest. A colourful parade will be organised from Rabindra Mandap to Jayadev Bhavan. The Information and Public Relations Department will also host a special photo exhibition at Jayadev Bhavan, portraying the history and evolution of the capital city.

Taking into account the prevailing heat wave conditions, the Chief Secretary directed that morning programmes be completed early, ensuring adequate arrangements for drinking water, ORS packets and other essential facilities, particularly for participating students.

In the evening, the prestigious ‘Rajdhani Gaurav Samman’ will be conferred at Utkal Mandap, where winners of various competitions will be felicitated. The Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture will present an engaging cultural programme.

On April 14, another grand cultural evening will be organised at Utkal Mandap in collaboration with Odia Pakhya, with eminent guests expected to grace the occasion.

Various departments including the Bhubaneswar Development Authority have been entrusted with beautification and decoration works, including floral arrangements around the foundation stone, restoration of the water fountain, preparation of the flag-hoisting stage and installation of welcome pavilions at key locations. Decorative illumination will be arranged from AG Square to Rabindra Mandap, along with lighting of prominent government buildings such as Lok Bhavan, Lok Seva Bhavan, Kharavela Bhavan, the Odisha Legislative Assembly building and other important institutions across the city.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements for security, traffic management, transport of students, health services and emergency response. Active participation of the Khordha district administration, police, fire services, health department, public sector banks, private institutions and citizens is expected to ensure the celebrations are conducted smoothly and successfully.

Among those present at the meeting were Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Bhupendra Singh Punia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of School and Mass Education N. Tirumala Naik, Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj, Director of Sports and Youth Services Vijay Yeddula, Director of Information & Public Relations Anuj Kumar Das Patnaik, Director of Tourism Dipankar Mohapatra, Chairman of the Capital Foundation Day Celebration Committee Pradosh Patnaik, Vice President Pradyumna Kumar Mohanty and General Secretary Sanat Mishra, along with senior officials from various departments.