Odisha capital / Photo Exhibition Showcases Bhubaneswar’s 78-Year Journey, From Temple City to Smart City Heights
·2 hours ago·2 min read

Key Points
Bhubaneswar, once a dense forest area, has transformed into a modern smart city over 77 years. On April 13, the capital of Odisha celebrated its 78th Foundation Day with parades, tributes, and a photo exhibition at Jaydev Bhawan, reflecting its remarkable journey from temple city to smart city.
Bhubaneswar, Apr 13: Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, marked its 78th Capital Foundation Day with grandeur, pride, and reflection on its extraordinary transformation. From its humble beginnings in 1948 as a modest settlement with just five police stations, Keuta village, and a population of 15,000, the city has grown into a bustling smart city with over 1.5 million residents.
The celebrations on April 13 included parades, tributes, and honors, reaffirming Bhubaneswar’s legacy as both a cultural and modern hub. A special highlight was the photo exhibition at Jaydev Bhawan, which visually captured the city’s 78-year journey - from dense forests and temple clusters to concrete skylines and smart infrastructure.
Historically, Bhubaneswar’s journey as the capital began on September 30, 1946, when the Odisha Assembly passed a resolution to establish a new capital. On April 13, 1948, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone, officially marking the city’s beginning.
Also Read: Bhubaneswar Celebrates 78th Foundation Day With Citywide Events
Over the decades, Bhubaneswar evolved from the “Temple City” into a Smart City, with modern infrastructure, high-rise buildings, wide roads, and thriving commercial establishments. Today, it stands as a global identity, recognized for its cleanliness, greenery, and sustainable development initiatives.
The Foundation Day celebrations featured floral tributes, flag hoisting, and a parade with 50 contingents, including school students, bands, and skating groups. Government and private buildings along Secretariat Road were illuminated with colorful lights, adding vibrancy to the occasion. In the evening, 13 individuals from diverse fields were honored with the Rajdhani Gourav Samman for their contributions, while senior citizens from different BMC zones were felicitated for their lifelong service.
From dense forests to concrete landscapes, Bhubaneswar’s journey reflects Odisha’s growth and aspirations. The 78th Capital Foundation Day and the photo exhibition at Jaydev Bhawan not only celebrated the city’s past but also showcased its vision for the future — a city that continues to balance heritage with modernity.
The celebrations on April 13 included parades, tributes, and honors, reaffirming Bhubaneswar’s legacy as both a cultural and modern hub. A special highlight was the photo exhibition at Jaydev Bhawan, which visually captured the city’s 78-year journey - from dense forests and temple clusters to concrete skylines and smart infrastructure.
Historically, Bhubaneswar’s journey as the capital began on September 30, 1946, when the Odisha Assembly passed a resolution to establish a new capital. On April 13, 1948, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone, officially marking the city’s beginning.
Also Read: Bhubaneswar Celebrates 78th Foundation Day With Citywide Events
Over the decades, Bhubaneswar evolved from the “Temple City” into a Smart City, with modern infrastructure, high-rise buildings, wide roads, and thriving commercial establishments. Today, it stands as a global identity, recognized for its cleanliness, greenery, and sustainable development initiatives.
The Foundation Day celebrations featured floral tributes, flag hoisting, and a parade with 50 contingents, including school students, bands, and skating groups. Government and private buildings along Secretariat Road were illuminated with colorful lights, adding vibrancy to the occasion. In the evening, 13 individuals from diverse fields were honored with the Rajdhani Gourav Samman for their contributions, while senior citizens from different BMC zones were felicitated for their lifelong service.
From dense forests to concrete landscapes, Bhubaneswar’s journey reflects Odisha’s growth and aspirations. The 78th Capital Foundation Day and the photo exhibition at Jaydev Bhawan not only celebrated the city’s past but also showcased its vision for the future — a city that continues to balance heritage with modernity.
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