The State Secretariat illuminated with lights on the 76th foundation day of Odisha on Sunday. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee. (Below) A still from the animated film Odisha Amara Janama Bhuin, which was released on Saturday to mark the occasion.

Bhubaneswar, April 1: The capital wore a glittering look with regional fervour that reflected in a gala of events as the state celebrated the 76th anniversary of its formation, the Utkal Divas, today.

The state government organised a colourful programme in the evening at Exhibition Ground to celebrate the Utkal Divas. The second Lokakala Mahotsav, a festival of folk performing arts, was also held on the occasion.

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik hailed the state’s great leaders, who were architects behind the formation of Odisha, and said the state had come a long way forward over the past seven decades.

“Just like Odia traders and artisans had created a name for themselves in the past, today there are many achievers in different spheres of life. The state has also grown economically over the years,” he said.

Students and achievers from all over the state were felicitated and awarded at the function.

All major government buildings such as the Assembly, secretariat and many others dazzled with colourful lights.

“Utkal Divas is a special day for all of us Odias and the lighting and decoration of government and private buildings has given it a festive look,” said Prasant Rout, a city resident.

Coinciding with the birth anniversary of Odisha, the state police also celebrated its foundation day. Addressing the state-level function in Cuttack to mark the occasion, Naveen called upon the police force to ensure that common people got justice. He also paid tributes to the police personnel killed in various Naxal attacks across the state.

Naveen awarded 16 police officials and six retired officials for their distinguished service. Apart from this, around 50 officers received the Director-General of Police award on the occasion.

A novel celebration to mark the day was the release of an animation film on Saturday, depicting the story behind the formation of the state and celebrating Odisha’s rich heritage. A team of young animators in the city created the film titled Odisha Amara Janama Bhuin.

“Since animation has become a popular way to grab the attention of kids and even youngsters, we created the film that features major aspects of Odisha’s formation. We wished to make it longer, but with limited time and finances as well as manpower, we could manage to create only a six-minute film. We are thankful to the Odisha tourism department to have supported us,” said Pradeep Tripathy, producer of the film.

Youngsters observed the Utkal Divas by pledging to improve environment and reading facilities in the city at an event at Bakul Foundation that runs a children’s library with donated books.

“Odisha was the dream of great leaders and it is upon the youth to carry their dreams forward. Hence, we had created the library five years ago on this special day,” said Sujit Mahapatra, founder of Bakul.

Apart from the twin cities, all districts, too, observed the Utkal Divas with fanfare. Schoolchildren took out colourful processions to celebrate the event.