17.04.2026: Rajasthan and Odisha State Foundation Day Celebrated at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan

Rajasthan and Odisha State Foundation Day Celebrated at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan

State Anthems “Mharo Rajasthan” and “Bande Utkala Janani” Mark the Occasion

The State Foundation Days of Rajasthan and Odisha were jointly celebrated through cultural presentation in presence of Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at Lok Bhavan Mumbai on Friday (17 April).

The cultural programme was presented by Lok Bhavan in collaboration with the Sangeet Kala Akademy of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Students from various municipal schools in Mumbai performed folk songs and dances of Rajasthan and Odisha, earning high praise from the Governor.

The students presented Rajasthan’s traditional Chari dance to the song “Kesariyo Balma,” and Odisha’s Sambalpuri Dalkhai dance along with folk music.

The State Foundation Day programme was organized as part of the Government of India’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that each state in India has its own distinct attire, language, dance forms, and culinary traditions, and this diversity is India’s biggest strength. He noted that the country is bound together like a garland of flowers by a shared thread of culture. He said the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative helps people understand and appreciate the culture of other states.

The Governor further stated that ‘Viksit Bharat’ is not defined solely by economic prosperity, but is rooted in the ideal of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.” He expressed confidence that the vision of Viksit Bharat can be achieved through collective efforts of the government and civil society.

Short films showcasing the beauty, history, heritage, freedom struggle, culture, and tourist attractions of both states were screened on the occasion. The state songs “Mharo Rajasthan” and “Bande Utkala Janani” were also presented on the occasion.

Chairperson of the BMC Education Committee Rajeshree Shirodkar, committee members, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Education) Dr. Avinash Dhakne, Secretary to the Governor Dr. Prashant Narnaware, Comptroller of the Governor’s Household Dr. Nishikant Deshpande, and Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Dr. Prachi Jambhekar were present.

Secretary to the Governor Dr. Prashant Narnaware delivered the welcome address, while Karuna Wavdankar, Under Secretary (Administration) proposed the vote of thanks.