Bhubaneswar: Keeping aside the concern over surging Covid-19 cases, people in Odisha celebrated 86th anniversary of Utkal Diwas, the state formation day. People commemorated the sacrifices made by leaders of Odisha statehood movement. On April 1, 1936, the state was carved out of the combined Bengal-Bihar-Orissa province.
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Some parts of Madras Presidency was adjoined with the state. The state got its name from the Odra or Udra tribes who inhabited the central region of the present-day Odisha.
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The state has a glorious cultural and historical relevance. Historically, it has been known by different names such as Kalinga, Utakal, Udra, Toshali and Kosala. The state holds an eminent position in the history of India.