BHUBANESWAR: The Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, hosted a vibrant celebration for Ugadi and Gudi Padwa at the New Abhishek Hall in Lok Bhavan on Wednesday.
The event honored the Telugu New Year (Ugadi) and the Marathi New Year (Gudi Padwa). During his address, the Governor emphasized that India’s true beauty lies in the peaceful coexistence of its many cultures and traditions. 
Odisha Governor Celebrates Ugadi & Gudi Padwa at Lok Bhavan


Strengthening National Unity

Dr. Kambhampati stated that diversity is India’s greatest strength. He noted that celebrations like these align with the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. By coming together to celebrate different festivals, people from various communities understand each other’s traditions better. This strengthens the emotional and cultural bonds of the nation.
The First Lady of the state, Smt. Jayasree Kambhampati, also attended the event.

Significance of the Festivals

The Governor explained the deep meanings behind both festivals:
  • Ugadi: Marking the start of the Telugu New Year, it signals the arrival of spring. The word comes from the Sanskrit terms Yuga (age) and Adi (beginning). A key tradition is the preparation of Ugadi Pachadi, a dish with six tastes representing six human emotions—joy, sorrow, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise. It teaches that life is a mix of experiences that one must accept with balance.
  • Gudi Padwa: This Marathi New Year symbolizes victory and prosperity. Families hoist a "Gudi" outside their homes to welcome luck. It also commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, representing the win of good over evil.

Honoring Contributions to Odisha

The Governor praised the Telugu and Marathi communities living in Odisha. He thanked them for their hard work and dedication in fields like education, industry, administration, and social service. He noted that their efforts contribute significantly to the progress of both Odisha and India.
Several high-ranking officials attended the ceremony, including:
  • Smt. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary (Housing & Urban Development)
  • Shri Y.B. Khurania, Director of Vigilance
  • Smt. Roopa Roshan Sahoo, Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor
The event concluded with a message of hope, urging everyone to welcome the New Year with courage and positivity.